Adapted from four lectures given by Ali Smith at Oxford University,Artfulis a tidal wave of ideas in four thematically organised bursts of thought- 'On Time', 'On Form', 'On Edge' and 'On Offer and On Reflection'.

Refusing to be tied down to either fiction or the essay form, Artfulis narrated by a character who is haunted - literally - by a former lover, the writer of a series of lectures about art and literature. Full of both the poignancy and humour of fiction and all the sideways insights and jaunty angles you would expect from Ali Smith's criticism, it explores form, style, life, love, death, mortality, immortality and what art and writing can mean.

Part fiction, part essay, Artfulis a revelation of what writing can do and a reaffirmation of Ali Smith's unmatched literary powers.

'Smith can make anything happen, which is why she is one of our most exciting writers today.' Daily Telegraph