Thomas Kinkade is America's most collected living artist. His mass appeal stems from his unique ability to emphasise simple pleasures and convey inspirational messages through his paintings. This book celebrates the 20th anniversary of Kinkade's first published work and includes an intimate look at the artist's life and paintings throught the eyes of author Rick Barnett. The book examines each period in Kinkade's career, beginning in his early days as he meets the mentors who will influence him, moving on to his life in the eighties as he becomes a recognised painter and a husband and continued through the nineties as he uses soft light and broken colour to paint groundbreaking scenes of National Parks, San Francisco and English cottages. The book also showcases never-before-seen private photographs and painting, including new works that embody Kinkade's 21st century style.