The Lives of the Surrealists

English zoologist and author (The Naked Ape) Morris, one of the last surviving surrealists, presents the lives of 32 artists most closely associated with the movement. Surrealism began more as a way of life that rebelled against the establishment giving rise to World War I than a philosophical or art movement. In separate chapters, each of which covers one of the artists, Morris draws on his knowledge of individual idiosyncrasies, life histories, love lives, personalities, predilections, character traits, etc. Not focused on analyzing individual art works created by these men and women, although he does include reproductions of one work by each artist, Morris nevertheless attempts to address how these artists contributed to the movement. In addition to providing a photograph and standard biographical details, the author recounts details that are extraordinary, entertaining, shocking, and witty. With an appendix listing major surrealist group exhibitions and further reading.