"More than fourteen years in preparation, this anxiously awaited book by Pierre Schneider, therefore, impressively fills a large gap in the literature of contemporary art history. The author discusses his original and personal views of Matisse's art, and has compiled a prodigious amount of information previously unknown either to specialists or to the general public. Among the 930 illustrations are a great number of works reproduced here for the first time, making this the most substantial reference of the works of Matisse ever published." -- from interior flap. Translated by Michael Taylor and Bridget Strevens Romer. Includes bibliography, exhibition history, and index of names and works. Printed in color and black-and-white.