Graphic Passion: Matisse and the Book Arts
by: Bidwell, John

Hardcover. University Park PA, Penn State University Press, 1st, 2015, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: Very Good, Hardcover, 272 pages. Graphic Passion recounts the publication history of nearly fifty books illustrated by Matisse, including masterworks such as Lettrew portugalises, Mallarme's Poisies and his own Jazz. A fantastic production executed with great care. Part of the Penn State series in the history of the book. From 1912 until his death in 1954, Matisse was involved in nearly fifty illustration projects, many of which rank among the greatest artists' books of the twentieth century. He directly participated in page layout, typography, lettering, ornament, cover design, and even the choice of text. Drawing on unpublished correspondence and business documents, this book pays scholarly attention to his illustration methods, typographic preferences, literary sensibilities, and opinions about the role of the artist in the publication process. Still in publisher's shrinkwrap.