This fresh and vivid portrait of the postwar Paris art world, written by a member of Picasso's circle, sheds original new light on the greatest of modern artists and on the most important and least-known of his loves, the alluring and formidable photographer and painter Dora Maar.

Commenting upon the nature of friendship, loyalty, patronage, creativity, and moral courage the author explores the lives of Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, Arletty, Marie-Laure de Noailles, Errieta Perdididi, and Louise Bennett Lord.

"Lord is a witty and elegant writer, catching the foibles and virtues of his subjects and chronicling his own succession of lovers with matter-of-fact precision. He is a gentle and literate companion; his book, a deeply affectionate reminiscence of friendships." - Publishers Weekly