This beautiful book is an exploration of a fascinating artist who changed the world of art in the 20th century and inspired future painters such as Picasso and Matisse, who said of C?zanne that he was ?the father of us all?. The first part of the book traces the progress and development of C?zanne?s artistic talents and his childhood in Aix-en-Provence, where he was brought up by an intelligent, warm-hearted mother and a strict, authoritarian father. His friendship with Emile Zola, forged at college and based on shared interests, had a huge influence on C?zanne?s chosen career, and their association lasted for 40 years. The second part of the book features a gallery of 300 of C?zanne?s works. The paintings represent the different stages and milestones of his career, as he concentrated on themes such as still lifes, landscapes, and portraits, working his way from Impressionism to his distinct Cubist style.