Displaying skill and ambition from a young age, Moore (1898–1986) spent his early years studying the art of the past and of his contemporaries, absorbing a wide variety of sculptural ideas. In this book, Sebastiano Barassi presents a lively account of this formative period, from Moore’s school years through his active service in the First World War and student life at Leeds School of Art, and culminating with his move to the Royal College of Art in London and subsequent entry into the world of contemporary sculpture. What is revealed is a rich story of friendships, mentors and collectors, a range of artistic influences and dialogues with other leading figures from the British and European avant-gardes.