Francis Bacon's powerful and disturbing images of the human figure have had a profound impact on the art of the 20th century. A lifelong student of colour, form and brushwork, he created an art at once classical and modern, ordered and chaotic, in which human emotions and passions are embedded within the harsh realities of the flesh.

Through photographs, interviews and critical studies, this book offers a detailed picture of the man and the artist, providing a fascinating insight into Bacon's childhood, influences, intentions , methods and sources and presenting his work, including paintings, studies and stunning foldouts of his triptychs, in all its forcefulness.