In 1899, at age 27, Emily Carr travelled to London to attend art school. She spent almost five years in England, and in this time her life completely changed. She returned to Canada in 1904 a mature woman, eyes widened from living abroad, chastened because of ill health and technically proficient as an artist.

Historian Kathryn Bridge takes a fresh look at Emily Carr's time in England. She reveals new evidence that fills in many of the gaps in our knowledge of this important phase of Carr's life, and she documents important connections with people that the artist maintained throughout her life. She illustrates her findings with historical photographs and Carr's own sketches, paintings and "funny books," some never published before. Altogether, this book gives readers an entertaining second look into a pivotal time in the life of one of Canada's most famous artists.

Three of Emily Carr's funny books are included in this volume:

A London Student Sojourn, in which Carr makes fun of life in Mrs Dodd's Guest House, where she stayed while attending the Westminster School of Art.

Kendal & I, recalling the day she and her friend Hannah Kendall attempted in vain to watch the funeral procession of Queen Victoria.

The Olsson Student, a comical look at a painting excursion into the woods during her art-school days in St Ives, Cornwall.