DEGAS

New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 1988. First Edition. . Hardcover. Fine/Near Fine. Today, Edgar Degas is generally considered one of the founders of the 19th century French art movement known as Impressionism though he disliked the term and was often critical of the means and methods of other artists he exhibited with under the Impressionist banner. Whatever his artistic philosophy and despite his often grumpy and unpleasant personality, Degas was an immensely talented and innovative artist as is amply demonstrated in this book. First Printing, First U.S. Edition. Oversize, 10 1/2 x 13 inches. 285 pages, including list of illustrations, bibliography and index, in red cloth-covered boards with gold lettering on front cover and spine. 324 illustrations, including 121 plates in full color. Translations from the French by Richard Howard. The front panel of the dustjacket shows a detail from "Dancers in the Wings," (1878-80, pastel and tempera on paper) and the back panel a detail from "La Toilette," (1885, pastel over monotype). Boards and text are complete, clean and unmarked, tight and square. No tearing, no creasing or bumping, not remaindered. Dustjacket shows very minor wear along top edge, a touch of soiling on top edge of back flap, o/w clean and uncreased, no tearing or chipping. A very collectable copy of this "coffee table-size" book jammed with excellent photo reproductions and information on every aspect of Degas' personal life and artistic career. [Due to its size and weight, this book will require additional postage on priority/express orders and orders outside the U.S.]