If you love Grayson Perry’s art, you’ll love his books too.
The British Turner Prize-winner is a prolific artist, which means there's also loads of Grayson Perry books you can read as well. Some of them are penned by him, while others are about his work and career.
So if you’ve been a long-time Perry fan — or if you’re newly won over by his birthday exhibition at the Wallace Collection in London — then read on to find the four best Grayson Perry books to dive deeper into his art and mind.
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The remarkable story of Perry’s upbringing offers a candid glimpse into his formative years and how they went on to shape the things to come. Written using taped interviews with friend Wendy Jones who he met at a therapy centre, the memoir charts his journey from a turbulent childhood in working-class Essex to his discovery of art and cross-dressing.
Perry reflects on themes of identity, creativity, and self-acceptance with unflinching honesty, often blending humour with moments of vulnerability. For fans of Perry, this book provides a grounded exploration of the man behind the tapestries and ceramics.
Ready to read? Click here to buy Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Girl
Perry’s witty and accessible guide to navigating the perplexing world of contemporary art was described as a “manifesto” when reviewed by the Observer newspaper.
Drawing on his turn giving the annual Reith lectures for the BBC, Perry demystifies the art world, tackling questions like “What counts as art?” and “How do we judge quality?” With humour and sharp insight, he dismantles pretension while championing creativity in all its forms. A must-read for anyone that wants to enjoy art more by filtering out the noise.
Ready to read? Click here to buy Playing to the Gallery
Published to accompany the biggest Perry exhibition ever staged so far (at the National in Edinburgh in 2023), the beautifully illustrated book offers a personal and vibrant insight into his career.
Showcasing 75 of Perry’s works — including new pieces published for the first time — it covers the full range and breadth of his output, from ceramics and sculptures, to prints and tapestries. Artworks are reproduced in vivid colour, accompanied by Perry's own insights. And as a special bonus, there’s an essay by presenter and writer Victoria Coren Mitchell who gives a thought-provoking consideration of the role of humour in Perry’s art.
Ready to read? Click here to buy Smash Hits
Author Matt Haig says this book “makes you see our male-manufactured world a little differently.” The Descent of Man is Perry’s critical examination of contemporary masculinity, and his exploration of how traditional male roles can be restrictive and detrimental.
Drawing from personal experiences and societal observations, Perry advocates for a more inclusive and flexible understanding of manhood, encouraging men to embrace vulnerability and emotional expression. America’s NPR praised it as “funny, engaging, and at times penetrating.”
Ready to read? Click here to buy The Descent of Man
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur will open at the Wallace Collection in London on 28 March 2025
— More for book lovers: Vincent Van Gogh publication celebrates artist's 1,000 drawings