Edward Lucie-Smith’s introduction traces the history of the male nude and helps us appreciate its place today. As one would expect from such an eminent writer, and particularly on this subject, it is both informative and fascinating. The introduction is illustrated with relevant black and white pictures.

The major portion of the book is devoted to the paintings, drawings and sculptures from the forty-nine artists invited to submit work for exhibition. All 150 works submitted are reproduced here, predominantly paintings and drawings; all the paintings in full colour.
The artists include Beryl Cook, Philip Core, Elisabeth Frink, Duncan Grant, David Hockney, David Hunter, Delmas Howe and Michael Leonard. Each artist has a very short introduction. Some of the images are full-page or larger, but many are sized relatively small on the page, some extremely small, which is a little disappointing. In total there are 156 illustration of which 124 are in colour.

The range of work is vast and most fascinating, making for an excellent and most relevant collection on the subject; a book well worth seeking out. ( )