The Essential Claude Monet

For readers who are short on time, long on curiosity, and turned off by art-world jargon, Abrams presents a series of hip, entertaining books on artists and pop culture.

* A fascinating account of the artist's life and work

* Fresh anecdotes, both professional and personal

* Concise sidebars on major players and cultural and social movements that shaped the artist's work

* Superb, full-color reproductions