This is a good introduction to Jan Vermeer, not too long and fairly readable. It helps to have some knowledge of art history in the European Renaissance, and familiarity with art vocabulary. Not much is known of Vermeer's personal life, so don't expect to learn that much from this book; it focuses on the paintings, as indicated by the title. The book is what you might find in a museum gift shop, published in 2007 and printed in Germany.