New art book a best book of the year

How to Look at a Painting by acclaimed art writer Justin Paton has been selected by the Listener as one of the best books of 2005, and has attracted rave advance reviews.

Photographer Marti Friedlander calls the book 'a masterpiece that will set your imagination alight'.

Bill Manhire, head of the International Institute of Modern Letters, says, 'Justin Paton is perfect company. Wonderfully intelligent and well-informed, he makes baffling stuff accessible, and shows us how great paintings can make the familiar world astonishing and new.'

Artist Michael Smither says, 'In this absorbing book, painting is revealed as food for the soul, a harbour of memories that sustain us - and a source of joy and satisfaction for both artist and viewer.'

How to Look at a Painting was published December 5.

For more information, or to request an author interview or book extract for publication, contact Hannah Bennett on (04) 385-0740 or email publicity@awapress.com