"‘Here is a perceptive and sensitive investigation into the history (and mystery) of drawing —the most direct and intimate activity of the artist. A book of real discovery."" Maggi Hambling, artist ""This book is a joy to read; a model of clarity and enlivened by dry humour. Owens successfully provides, within a single volume, an accessible introduction to the history of drawing from antiquity to the present, in a global context."" Mark Evans, author of Renaissance Watercolours from Dürer to Van Dyck ""For each artist and work of art discussed, Owens captures the moment in which the drawings were made through evocative details: the physical environment, the people involved, the sights, sounds and smells, and the actions of the artist."" Catherine Daunt, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Graphic Art at The British Museum"