This is a most charming book, and as frustrating as it is charming. For, while it dispels the myth of the reclusive artist dying at last in poverty-stricken obscurity (a myth that still shrouds Gwen John's reputation), it leaves us very little the wiser as to the circumstantial details of what, in its quiet way, was clearly a most intriguing life.

Born in 1876, Gwen soon became elder sister to the more flamboyant Augustus, with whom she is currently the subject of a fine exhibition at Tate Britain (until 9 January, after which the show moves to Cardiff). Her reputation was outshone by his in her lifetime, but has since all