The major writings of Henri Matisse (1869-1954), with the exception of the letters, are collected here along with transcriptions of important interviews and broadcasts given at various stages of Matisse's career. Jack Flam provides a biography, a general introduction that addresses the development of Matisse's aesthetic values and theories, and a critical introduction for each text. "Jack D. Flam has edited Matisse . . . with close translation (thank God), admirable editorial introductions and detailed notes to the 44 brief pieces from 47 years." -- Robert Motherwell, New York Times Book Review "Matisse was ambivalent about words. In his middle years he scoffed at Delacroix's journals and counseled young painters to cut their tongues out. . . . Now, 23 years after his death, we at last have solid proof that his obiter dicta -- statements, interviews, letters (add up to a whole book." (Dan Hofstadter, The New Republic "The publication of this anthology of forty-four of Matisse's 'writings' on art is long overdue and should prove to be an extremely useful and popular addition to the growing documentary literature of twentieth-century art." -- John Hallmark, Burlington Magazine Jack D. Flam is Professor of Art History at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City College of New York and author of Matisse: The Man and His Art (1986) and Matisse: A Retrospective (1990).