Francis Bacon: A Self-Portrait in Words

by Michael Peppiatt

Francis Bacon, the notoriously demon-driven, gutter-gilded artist, to whom art and life were “carnage by other means,” was also and above all one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century. There have been some fine accounts of Bacon’s life, and some great studies of his art, but—until now—no publication of entirely his own writings. Much of the featured ephemera is held in obscure archives or hidden away in private collections, and has never before been seen by the public. Francis Bacon: A Self-Portrait in Words—expertly edited by Michael Peppiat, with an inspired foreword by Colm Tóibín—is a well made, handsome book, documenting the artist’s “long affair with objects, and images, and sensations,” as well as offering some glints of insight into the working methods and private life of a sphinx-like enigma. — Herbert Pföstl, Book Consultant for the New Museum Store.

Francis Bacon: A Self-Portrait in Words showcases Bacon’s sharp wit and personal language through letters, notes, and lists of paintings, many accompanied by sketches. These documents reveal his dominant preoccupations throughout his career and include unpublished letters, dream records, photographs, and reproductions of his handwriting.

Author Michael Peppiatt delves into Bacon's personal legacy, presenting a compelling verbal self-portrait that captures both the man and the artist. This collection highlights Bacon's ability to express complex ideas memorably, reflecting his delight in crafting impactful phrases.

2024; hardcover; 6.9 x 9.8 inches; 480 pages, 209 color ills; ISBN: 9780500021866.