A short book about drawing

Like millions of others, Andrew Marr draws. He hasn't had lessons, yet since childhood, the journalist and TV presenter has been at his happiest with a pen or brush in his hand.

One way or another he draws most days, even if it's just a doodle on the edge of a newspaper.

But why does he do it? Does it have a point? And in what way, if any, does this activity of his relate to what we think of as 'art'?

In this intriguing new book, Andrew Marr explores the subject of drawing and painting through his own experience.

He considers the mechanics of the process — the act of making and its importance for a happy life — alongside the ways in which good drawing or painting can make us think harder and see the world differently.

He discusses what a bad drawing is, and the nature of failure as well as success.

The book, lavishly illustrated with over 50 of the author's own pictures, was written during the winter of 2012 and completed weeks before Andrew suffered the major stroke from which he is currently recovering — and finding himself drawing again.

Written in his signature fresh, engaging and evocative style, A Short Book About Drawing is Andrew Marr's unique take on this absorbing subject.