An unprecedented collection, this volume explores Jasper Johns's art and thought, from all periods of his career, through interviews, published writings, working notes he kept in his sketchbooks and recorded conversations with critics and friends. Also included are previously unpublished images from the artist's sketchbooks. As one of the most influential artists of our times, Johns's work has held a key position in the art of the second half of the 20th century, and has had an immense impact on an extraordinarily diverse array of other artists. This compendium of his ideas was collected from a wide range of sources, many of them difficult to access. The provocative originality and subtlety of Johns's thoughts on art are evident throughout, making this book a vital contribution to the study of the artist.