Werner Spies

The art of the 20th century can be understood fully only from a perspective that ignores boundaries between countries and continents. Werner Spies (b. 1937), teacher, critic, curator of major international exhibitions, and close friend to many major artists, has always had an open eye and mind. His critical appraisals of trends in both Europe and the United States continue to stimulate art lovers around the globe. 

Spies's collected writings first appeared in German in 2008, and sold out immediately. Now these 10 volumes, beautifully printed with over 1,400 color illustrations and presented in a slipcase designed by Andreas Gursky, are being made available in English for the first time. The subjects addressed include Picasso, Ernst, Pop and Op Art, Surrealism, and much more. In their wealth of detail, and in their reflection of personal encounters and impressions, Spies's writings constitute an important resource on modern art.