The Work of Art

How Something Comes from Nothing.

What makes a work of art truly extraordinary? In What Is the Work of Art?, Adam Moss takes readers on a guided tour inside the minds of creators, tracing the evolution of remarkable novels, paintings, jokes, movies, songs, and more.

Blending intimate conversations with some of today’s most accomplished artists with glimpses into their journals, sketches, and napkin doodles, Moss reveals the often winding, unpredictable paths that lead to great art. From initial sparks to second thoughts, missed turns to breakthroughs, he illuminates the choices, crises, and triumphs that transform inspiration into masterpiece after masterpiece.

The New York Times Bestseller.