A review by perseyfriend
The Art of Rivalry: Four Friendships, Betrayals, and Breakthroughs in Modern Art by Sebastian Smee

Another reviewer said this book was "anecdotal to the point of gossipy," and I agree. But I think Smee is sympathetic to the artists covered, and especially sensitive when talking about the insecurity between artists in sometimes-friendly competition. A shortcoming of this book is how women are described -- either muses or wives (except the Steins, I guess). Which is disappointing to me especially since so much of the juicy info he has on Picasso and Matisse for example seems to come from letters between women or the words of their diaries. Still glad I read this book.