This beautifully illustrated book reveals how Giardelli's childhood in the country shaped his life. It examines his Italian background, his education at Oxford, and his sudden removal to Wales.

A friend of Cedric Morris, David Jones, Josef Herman and Ceri Richards, Arthur Giardelli was for many years Chairman of the influential 56 Group Wales, arranging exhibitions throughout Europe. His international circle included the painters Zoran Music, Ota Janecek, Olivier Debre and the American Fairfield Porter. Giardelli's work can be found in the Tate Gallery, the National Museum of Wales and public and private collections around the world.

Derek Shiel is a painter, sculptor and writer. Born and bought up in Dublin, he was educated at fettes College and the Edinburgh College of Art. A year's travelling scholarship took him to the USA before he moved to London.