Like Miss Ripley's earlier studies, this is primarily an introduction to the artist's work through the examination of successive examples, only secondarily a biography. But the facts of Copley's life from Boston waterfront to London society are smoothly integrated into the procession of portraits and large historical scenes. One might wish for more comment on Copley's significance and a more comparative evaluation of his works, but such is not the author's wont. As far as it goes, it's a useful book if you have the use.