Genius. Anti-artist. Charlatan. Impostor! Since 1914 Marcel Duchamp has been called all of these. No artist of the 20th century has aroused more passion and controversy, nor exerted a greater influence on art, the very nature of which Duchamp challenged and redefined as concept rather than product by questioning its traditionally privileged optical nature. At the same time, he never ceased to be engaged, openly or secretly, in provocative activities and works that transformed traditional artmaking procedures.

Written with the enthusiastic support of Duchamp’s widow, this is one of the most original and important books ever written on this enigmatic artist, and challenges received ideas, misunderstanding and misinformation.

With 172 illustrations in colour

Dawn Ades is Professor Emerita of the History and Theory of Art at the University of Essex. She has written extensively on Dada, Surrealism, photography and women artists, among other things. Publications include Dalí and Writings on Art and Anti-Art. Neil Cox is Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art at the University of Edinburgh. His books include Cubism and The Picasso Book, and has written numerous essays connecting art and philosophical ideas. David Hopkins is Professor of Art History at the University of Glasgow. He is the author of many books, most recently After Modern Art 1945-2017 and Dark Toys: Surrealism and the Culture of Childhood.