There has been no full-length life of Constable since 1843. Constable has been well-served by art historians, who have gathered his correspondence and written scholarly studies, monographs and catalogues about his work but left a gap in biography which this book fills.
Born in 1776 in East Anglia near the river Stour, John Constable was destined for his father's business of milling and grain-shipping. But he was obdurately opposed to this and persuaded his family he should become an artist instead.
This is a great read, and would make a great gift for the art historian.
Note: although it is a first edition and collectible - the light foxing means it is not in pristine condition. (See photos)