of this book is to present and analyze a newly discovered collection of over 100 drawings by the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, offering unprecedented insight into his artistic range and thematic interests.** Authored by Timothy A. R. Clark, a leading expert on Japanese art, this publication accompanies the British Museum's acquisition of these drawings in 2020, which had been lost for over seven decades. The drawings, created for an unpublished work titled 'Great Picture Book of Everything,' span a wide array of subjects including religious figures, mythology, historical events, animals, flora, and landscapes, with a notable emphasis on ancient China, India, and Central Asia. This book meticulously illustrates the complete set of drawings for the first time, drawing on the latest scholarly research to contextualize these exquisite works within Hokusai's prolific career.

This landmark publication has been recognized for its significant contribution to art scholarship, evidenced by its shortlisting for Exhibition Catalogue of the Year at the British Book Design and Production Awards 2022. The discovery and presentation of over 100 forgotten drawings by Katsushika Hokusai are considered a major event in the study of Japanese art. The book's meticulous illustration of the complete set of drawings, coupled with the latest research, offers a comprehensive and authoritative perspective on this new body of work. It is regarded as an essential resource for understanding Hokusai's diverse artistic output and thematic explorations.