A Look Inside Rare 1948 Book Entirely Drawn and Written by Salvador Dali

In this rare and important 1948 volume, painter Salvador Dalí expresses (in his inimitably eccentric fashion) his ideas of what painting should be, offers opinions on the merits of Vermeer, Picasso, Cézanne, and other artists, and expresses his thoughts on the history of painting.

In a blend of outrageous egotism and unconventional humor, Dalí presents 50 secrets for mastering the art of painting: “the secret of sleeping while awake,” “the secret of the periods of carnal abstinence and indulgence to be observed by the painter,” “the secret of the painter’s pointed mustaches,” and others. Illustrated with the artist’s own drawings, this volume is a fascinating mixture of serious artistic advice, lively personal anecdotes, and academic craftsmanship.