The biography of the artist who created the most haunting icon of the twentieth century

In So Much Longing in So Little Space, Karl Ove Knausgaard explores the life and work of Edvard Munch. Setting out to understand the enduring power of Munch’s painting, Knausgaard reflects on the essence of creativity, on choosing to be an artist, experiencing the world through art and its influence on his own writing. As co-curator of a major new exhibition of Munch's work in Oslo, Knausgaard visits the landscapes that inspired him, and speaks with contemporary artists, including Vanessa Baird and Anselm Kiefer. Bringing together art history, biography and memoir, and drawing on ideas of truth, originality and memory, So Much Longing in So Little Space is a brilliant and personal examination of the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic painters, and a meditation on art itself.

This compelling book, focusing on more than 60 of Edvard Munch's later paintings, reveals the surprising, vibrant work of a fascinating man who never ceased to grow as an artist. 140 illustrations, 130 in full color.

A beautiful new gift art book all about Edvard Munch, the Norwegian artist behind the first truly Expressionist picture The Scream. Absorbed by such motifs as love, life, death and anguish, Munch’s paintings captured the psychological feelings evoked by man. Beginning with a fresh and captivating introduction to Munch’s life and art, the book showcases several of his works in all their glory.

Published to accompany an exhibition at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, University of Glasgow from 12 June to 5 September 2009 and the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin from 18 September to 6 December 2009.