'Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers' - Charles W.Eliot
Artist: Francis Bacon Author: John Russell Publisher: Thames and Hudson Date: 1971 Condition: The first edition hardback, complete with unclipped printed dust wrapper over gilt-embossed brown boards, some light shelf-marking to the wrapper and a little tanning to the spine. Internally a good, clean and complete copy, copiously illustrated in both colour and black and white and including nine full-page colour fold-outs.
A key volume on Bacon, published at a time when the artist was becoming ever more recognised internationally. Russell had known Bacon for many years and their conversations and discussions of the artist's life, themes and ideas formed the basis of his interpretation of the art. Lavishly produced for the time, including several large colour fold-outs of the triptych works, this is a very interesting and rewarding book, shedding light on an artist who was, outside his friends and immediate circle, intensely private.
