“Art appears cruel because reality is cruel.” This book offers profound insights into painting, featuring an interview with Francis Bacon, one of the most representative painters of the 20th century. While there are other interviews with him, this conversation with David Sylvester, with whom he was on familiar terms, is the most fulfilling and engaging. With illustrations almost every two or three pages, the content is fascinating, allowing readers to deeply understand the secrets of his creative process. There are new discoveries with each reading. I believe this is a must-read for Bacon fans and anyone interested in painting. 《Commentary》 A crucial book in art history, finally translated into Japanese. Art appears cruel because reality is cruel. And since naturalistic realism is no longer possible, we must create a completely new realism and find a reality that directly transmits to the nervous system. - A terrifying book befitting the end of the century, spoken only by those who possess the will to lose their will and a spirit that craves excessive intensity. Numerous illustrations. Translator: Hitoshi Kobayashi Size: 21.5cm x 15.5cm Pages: 226 Publisher: Chikuma Shobo Published: First edition, 1996 Price: 4532 yen Originally, this would have been listed for around 3500 yen, but due to a tear in the cover, I've significantly lowered the price. I checked several used bookstores, Rakuten, and Amazon, where it was selling for between 2800 yen and over 20,000 yen, so this is a bargain. Ultimately, it's the content that matters, and the interior is in good condition.