The artists in the Hardy family, Heywood, James, Frederick Daniel and several others, have always been popular with collectors. However, this is the first comprehensive assessment of their work, based on previously unpublished material and with illustrations of all their major paintings.

Heywood Hardy was a remarkably versatile artist who did much to advance a more realistic portrayal of animals, landscapes, portraits and sporting scenes over a long and productive career from 1860 to 1927. His elder brother James Hardy junior became one of the most accomplished sporting artists of his day. And their cousin Frederick Daniel Hardy painted some of the most accurate and sympathetic pictures of life in country towns and villages.

The book's author, Kimber Hardy, a descendant of the Hardy painters, has called upon a significant collection of letters and documents about the artists. His revealing, intelligent narrative on their lives and works provides engaging accompaniment to the wealth of colour reproductions featured in the book.