In 'Things I Didn't Know,' Robert Hughes embarks on an introspective journey, dissecting his life and times with the precision of a practiced art critic. From his upbringing within the bounds of Catholicism and his growth as an artist, to his adventures in post-war Europe and the swinging 60s of London, Hughes offers readers an educational yet entertaining tour through his unique perspective. Surviving a near-fatal accident, Hughes reflects upon the fragility and richness of existence, intertwining personal history with the larger canvas of 20th-century art, culture, and politics. He scrutinizes father-son dynamics, the nature of heroism, and the impact of war using his own experiences and the lens of art criticism. With wit and razor-sharp insight, Hughes shares anecdotes involving luminaries and eccentrics, casting light on his critical eye that never shies away from expressing pleasure or confronting pain.