The book explores Charles F. Goldie's career, his early still life paintings, his time as a student in Paris, his reign as Auckland's leading painter, the fall from critical favour, descent into ill health and distinctive late period paintings of the 1930s.

Charles F. Goldie (1870-1947) is one of New Zealand's best known artists, with mystique surrounding his work. His fame has been fed by newspaper reports documenting record-shattering prices, thefts, vandalism and forgeries. The book explores Goldie's career, his early still life paintings, his time as a student in Paris, his reign as Aukland's leading painter, the fall from critical favour, descent into ill health and distinctive late period paintings of the 1930s.