In our era, artists have become stars. Creative personalities are always fascinating and to learn something new about the twentieth century's greatest artists, whether eccentric or sober, outspoken or reclusive, has never seemed so compelling. In this book, Edward Lucie-Smith relates some of the strangest, saddest, most glorious, and most intriguing life stories of our time. One hundred artists who have shaped our perceptions in this century are presented in lively short biographies. All the entries are illustrated with important works, self-portraits, and photographs, and the book includes an excellent guide for further reading. Clearly grouped according to style and era are modern art's pioneers from Picasso and Duchamp to Louise Bourgeois and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Lucie-Smith vividly evokes the lives of these great personalities and guides the reader through the maze of different styles and movements with authority and verve. Informative and entertaining, illuminated with anecdotes and balanced historical judgment, this is a wonderful collection for everyone interested in the art and artists of the twentieth century. Read Less