Book review: ‘Bento’s Sketchbook’ by John Berger

I originally bought this book on a hunch, having seen the artist, author and presenter John Berger in a TV interview. I thought he sounded interesting.

It’s a strange but compelling book. A mix of journal, reminiscences, sketches, and art theory. The title is inspired by the lost sketchbook(s) of the seventeenth-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza—generally known as Benedict (or Bento) de Spinoza.

I enjoyed the book a lot, reading it in one sitting. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I immediately ordered a second copy for a friend for their birthday. Since then, I’ve re-read it a couple of times.