Batten studied at the Slade School and like Henry Ford was influenced by Alphonse Legros. Batten was one of the best of those illustrators who were inspired by folk tales, myths and legends, producing books of English, Celtic and Indian fairy tales as well as the Arabian Nights.

His exquisite work can best be appreciated in the 10 photogravure plates, (Waterlow & Sons, London, vol. 1) and (Lemercier, Paris, vol. 2) with their depth and detail. The 1907 single volume version, though fine, is disappointing in comparison. (See Sinbad and the Old Man of the Sea by J .D .Batten under SINBAD.)