This engaging, informative book on eight modern American artists,

first published in an expensive edition in 1974, has developed a

formidable "underground" reputation and is now widely consid-

ered a classic of modern art writing. Yet it has been virtually

unknown to the public at large. Brian O Doherty, a noted writer on

art, examines the work, personas and public myths of these eight

figures. A friend to all but one of them, O Doherty manages to

capture the spirit of these individuals as well as the essence of

their work.