Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0300037791, Hardcover)

In this work, which is organized as a series of thematic sections, the chapters build upon one another and map out the professional, social and intellectual context of Turner's career. The author looks at several aspects of Turner's life - his training and working methods, extensive travels, relationship to ancient and modern art, patrons, writing, and intellectual interests - which he relates to specific examples of his work.