Daniel Farson The Guilded Gutter Life of Francis Bacon

The Guilded Gutter Life of Francis Bacon (by Daniel Farson) is one of those books you can hardly put down after you start reading it. Whilst the book is intended as an autobiography of Francis Bacon, the style of writing can often be considered more as a personal diary or book of memoirs by its author. However this doesn't at all detract from the value and sheer enjoyment of reading this book. The author writes an accurate and factual account of Bacon's life right from its very beginnings but focusing largely on the extraordinary day-to-day lifestyle of Francis and his circle of friends and lovers in and outside of Soho London. The authors' style of writing is often very witty, recounting endless amusing tales while in the company of Bacon and often quoting Bacon's speech using emphasised sentences showing the artists' famous wit and sarcasm, illuminating this biography and bringing Bacon to life on every page. Whilst giving a rare and exclusive insight into Bacon's envious and illustrious social life, the author also delves in and out of Bacon's work, following the artists steady ascent to international acclaim in the context of his individual works and exhibitions and also his increasing wealth and recognition as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.