If you could only afford to buy one book about Picasso, what is the one book you would recommend?

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• I tried to read information about the cataglogue raisonne by Christian Zervos. I am quite confused about it. I realize it's in 33 volumes, but the websites seem scattered to me. For example, they will talk about one of the catalogues in a certain time period in one site, but the information seems like it would be in the middle of the catalogue. It's like a giant puzzle that I don't know where to grasp what the whole thing is. Can you explain it to me, if you have time. Thanks, Nick.

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  by Marguerite on June 10th, 2009

• The catalogue raisonné was begun by Zervos during Picasso's lifetime and it was finished in 1986: Christian Zervos: Pablo Picasso, 1895-1973, catalogue raisonné (set of 34 vols) 1949 - 1986, Paris: Éditions Cahiers d'Art, 1949-1986. The volumes publish Picasso's paintings as well as major works on paper in chronological order, and every work is illustrated. Zervos tried to gather all works made by Picasso. Although it does have some flaws, the general achievement of Zervos is formidable, and his catalogue raisonné is an indispensable reference tool for any scholar interested in Picasso - and as an image source for anyone interested in this painter.

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  by Nick on June 10th, 2009

• This helps me immensely. No, I couldn't afford the price of this catalogue. I did notice it was available for over $1000.00. I'd like to have the two other books though.
  
  Thought I'd let you know I am now a member of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston where I can get discounts on their books at their book store. That makes me very happy!
  
  Thanks so much for taking the time to help me. :)))

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  by Marguerite on June 10th, 2009

• No problem!

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  by Nick on June 10th, 2009