The adventures that fill the strange and wonderful paintings by Remedios Varo (1908-1963) reflect the physical and psychological journeys of her own tumultuous life. Janet A. Kaplan's vivid chronicle, the first on the subject in English, interweaves Varo's life with the artist's exquisite work. Painted with a jewellike palette and old-master precision, Varo's intimate tableaux, rich with details of women's experience, tell fantasy tales of alchemy, science, mysticism, and magic. Fifty color reproductions capture the wit and beauty of her major paintings; numerous black-and-white illustrations document other works and portray the compelling artist with her circle of lifelong friends and admirers. The book is further enlivened by her own voice, conveyed in hilarious letters and surreal stories, published here for the first time. It concludes with an invaluable chronology as well as a newly updated bibliography and list of exhibitions. An instant celebrity in MexicoÑwhere her retrospectives have drawn record crowdsÑVaro has recently found enthusiastic audiences in Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Japan. The fascinating story of her life and the dazzling intricacy of her art will prove a revelation. 198 illustrations, 50 in full color

"Kaplan has written a lively, informative narrative that zips along like an adventure story." (Philadelphia Inquirer)

"This beautifully written and illustrated book, full of wonders, is a joy to read and behold.É This journey through the art and life of Remedios Varo with Janet Kaplan as guide is art history and art criticism at its best." (Belles Lettres)

The first book on the subject in English, this vivid tale interweaves Varo's eventful life with her exquisite work.

Janet A. Kaplan is currently Professor of Art History at Moore College of Art and Design and Editor of the Art Journal. She lives in Philadelphia