This is the definitive book on the contemporary artist Grayson Perry, famous for his ceramic vases decorated with shocking and unconventional imagery. In this lavishly illustrated monograph, Jacky Klein explores Perry's work through a discussion of his major themes and subjects, such as class or conflict. Her text is complemented by a series of intimate, insightful commentaries on individual pieces by the artist himself. The book features about 150 of Perry's works as well as a rich selection of the visual material that has inspired him, from Afghan war rugs, medieval altarpieces and satirical prints to the paintings of Pieter Brueghel, Anselm Kiefer and the American Outsider artist Henry Darger. With an up-to-date biography, bibliography and exhibition history, this definitive book is the first to explore fully the achievements of Perry's twenty-five-year career.

introduction mapping the world of grayson perry

chapter 1 beginnings

chapter 2 class

chapter 3 war and conflict

chapter 4 sex and gender

chapter 5 religion and folk culture

chapter6 inner landscapes

chapter 7 the art world

chapter 8 pottery and aesthetics

notes

chronology

public collections

solo and group exhibitions

selected bibliography

acknowledgments

picture credits

index