Revised and redesigned, Tomkins' book remains the classic Duchamp
biography
First published to great acclaim in 1996, New Yorker writer and art
critic Calvin Tomkins' biography of the influential artist Marcel
Duchamp (1887-1968) has been out of print for many years. Now, The
Museum of Modern Art, New York, is publishing a new and revised edition
of the landmark biography to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
Duchamp's first Readymade, "Bicycle Wheel," a later version of which is
in MoMA's collection. Duchamp is widely considered one of the most
important artists of the twentieth century, yet his personal life
remained an enigma throughout his avidly scrutinized career. Tomkins,
from his unique vantage point as both an accomplished art critic and a
friend of Duchamp's since the late 1950s, presents a piercing portrait
of Duchamp, adeptly analyzing his art and career while also recounting
his personal life, influences and relationships. This thoroughly
researched, eminently readable book is by far the most authoritative
Duchamp biography.