I am an artist who has persued the knowledge of classical drawing and painting, (as well as the joys of modern art)for at least a decade, and I believe that along with Robert Beverley Hales masterworks, this great book by Hereward Cooke is one of the most profound I have ever encountered.
It is not one of the typical "how to" art tuition books so prevalent now,those that are really just a sort of long winded advertisement for the artist/writer (and sad to say, often a very embarassing and mediocre ad at that).
This book is not for the hobby painter who just wants a pretty effect. This is a serious and profound study of the thousands of ideas , both simple and subtle, that painters have developed over umpteen generations, and which in the 20th century were almost lost to us. But this is the 21st Century!! Lets learn to match inspiration with inspired technique and understanding. Watson and Guptill really should reprint this gem, REALLY!!