A Vast Horizon

Longlisted for the American Library in Paris Book Award 2026 A glorious fusion of history and art, A Vast Horizon tells the story of Pablo Picasso and his free-spirited friends, including Lee Miller and Man Ray, in the tumultuous years around the Second World War. 'Inspired' - The New York Times 'Excellent and revealing' - Antony Penrose, Lee Miller Archives 'At once intimate and expansive' - Clare Mulley, author of Agent Zo 'Ingenious and beguiling' - Literary Review In the summer of 1937, a group of artistic friends gather in the South of France. Among them are Lee Miller, Pablo Picasso, Dora Maar, Man Ray and Roland Penrose. At the Hôtel Vaste Horizon, far from the gathering storm in Europe, they spend their days swimming, painting, writing and falling in love. But as Europe descends into war, their lives will be transformed. The friendships, romances and artistic collaborations forged that summer will be tested by the political upheavals and personal tragedies of the years to come. Drawing on photographs, artworks, poems and letters, Anna Thomasson's A Vast Horizon brings this remarkable circle vividly to life. Intimate, evocative and richly researched, it is a story of love and friendship, rebellion and artistic freedom, and the enduring power of creativity in the darkest of times.

Anna Thomasson studied for an MPhil in Biography at the University of Buckingham and her thesis was shortlisted for the Daily Mail Biographers' Club Prize. She is the author of the highly acclaimed A Curious Friendship. A Vast Horizon is her second book.