In Australian Notebooks, Betty Churcher revisits some of the artworks she most cherishes-a seminal Picasso, early works of the Heidelberg School, a striking portrait by Lucian Freud-and invites us to look afresh at the treasures that can be found in Australian galleries.

Taking in the glorious work of Australian artists such as John Olsen, Arthur Boyd and Sidney Nolan, as well as masterpieces by Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse and Giambattista Tiepolo, through her own accomplished sketches Betty draws out the particular charm and context of each piece.

Interwoven with extraordinary stories-one canvas flew off the back of a truck on the Pacific Highway; another was imported from Imperial Russia, paid for with a briefcase full of cash-Betty's engaging insights bring the artworks to life.

With gorgeous full-colour reproductions, this is a book to turn to again and again for inspiration, solace and delight.