First biography of the remarkable and hugely admired
artist, Joseph Pike.





Author aided by artist's family including his grandson,
Hugh Salmon, (founder of www.Lovereading.co.uk), giving access to personal
details and illustrations.





The first
of its kind, Joseph Pike: The Happy Catholic Artist is a detailed
biography of the popular artist of the same name. A master of the art of pencil
drawing, Pike produced evocative sketches and illustrations that were
commissioned by authors, architects and publishers, reproduced in books and on
postcards, sold as prints and even exhibited on the walls of the Royal Academy.
When he died in 1956, the Catholic Herald referred to him as 'a distinguished
artist', though until this biography, little has been written about his life
and work. Aided by the artist's family, the book also contains rare personal
details and illustrations not found elsewhere.





Joseph
Pike reveals
the man behind the art, following the artist's life and career through the
decades and exploring how both were shaped by historical circumstances - such
as two world wars - and developments in the publishing world and printing
technology. The book also explores his devout Catholic side and how his
religious life and contacts with leading figures in Catholic cultural life such
as Ronald Knox affected his career. The author is able to write about this
subject with accuracy and vivid insights, drawing on a decade of personal
experience of monastic life.





As the
renowned journalist Raymond Sawkins (who published many books under the pen
name Colin Forbes) said, Joseph Pike was 'an artist of unusual merit... Pike
has recorded with outstanding ability the architecture of all periods which
exists in contemporary Britain.' The biography will appeal to readers
interested in art and history, as well as those with an interest in Catholic
religion and culture.