The major writings of Henri Matisse (1869-1954), with the exception of the letters, are collected here along with transcriptions of important interviews and broadcasts given at various stages of Matisse's career. Jack Flam provides a biography, a general introduction that addresses the development of Matisse's aesthetic values and theories, and a critical introduction for each text.

Jack D. Flam is Professor of Art History at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City College of New York and author of Matisse: The Man and His Art (1986) and Matisse: A Retrospective (1990).

"Jack D. Flam has edited Matisse . . . with close translation (thank God), admirable editorial introductions and detailed notes to the 44 brief pieces from 47 years."—Robert Motherwell, New York Times Book Review

"Matisse was ambivalent about words. In his middle years he scoffed at Delacroix's journals and counseled young painters to cut their tongues out. . . . Now, 23 years after his death, we at last have solid proof that his obiter dicta—statements, interviews, letters—add up to a whole book."—Dan Hofstadter, The New Republic

"The publication of this anthology of forty-four of Matisse's 'writings' on art is long overdue and should prove to be an extremely useful and popular addition to the growing documentary literature of twentieth-century art."—John Hallmark, Burlington Magazine

"Strong stuff!—and enlightening for those who think the life of an artist is a carefree one, free of anxiety and self-doubt."—Art Times

"This integrated of study but mostly anthology of Matisse’s reflections on his and others art is a valuable introduction to the artist and his views of what is was worth while to paint. . . . The volume is essential of understanding the great artist and his time."—Reader’s Review

"A must for anyone’s library. . . . This is a portrait of a great artist through his own words. With 44 of Matisse’s ‘writings’ on art, this volume is one of the most useful and popular additions to the growing documentary literature of the 20th century."—Umbrella