Since his passing in 2011, Lucian Freud's stature as one of the twentieth century's greatest painters has only intensified, with his large-scale human figure paintings gracing museums and commanding high prices at auctions. While art historians have celebrated his brilliance, personal life, and talent, Freud's own voice has often been overshadowed - until now.

In this volume, Freud's early letters, endorsed by the Freud estate, offer a personal and often revelatory glimpse into his life and artistic process. Compiled with the collaboration of David Dawson, Freud's longtime personal assistant and director of the Lucian Freud Archive, along with Martin Gayford, a critic and acquaintance of Freud, the letters span from schoolboy notes to his parents to the recognition of his professional artistry.