Having put together some ideas about the benefits of making books for a recent talk, I was intrigued to do this book review: What Art Does, an unfinished theory by Brian Eno and Bette Adriaanse.

So much has been written about what art IS, that a slim, accessible, volume examining HOW and WHY we are all artists in all sorts of ways, is enlightening.

There are some pithy bite-sized statements to take away, such as “Art is a simulator,” and “Live the world you want,” with plenty of relatable anecdotes and examples.

Mostly, the book concludes, art is to do with feelings and play. I’m there for both.

‘These are planet-sized ideas in a pocket-sized package.’ says Dan Papps, Director of Popular Music at Faber.

What Art Does: An unfinished theory, by Brian Eno and Bette Adriaanse is published by Faber.

The Guardian reviewer describes the book as “disarmingly simple” and “easily digestible” in the same sentence, (which I think is a good, effective thing in our harried world.)

To buy YOUR copy with 10% off from Golden Hare Books use the code bookbinderbookreview45 valid until 24 March 2025.