Compared to the previous book I read about Salvador Dali, this one was a much more enjoyable read. Surprising, I know, considering that the other book is a Taschen publication, but sometimes even the great publishers mess up. This book, like all of the others in the same art-focused series, contains a short essay (in this case by J.G. Ballard, the novelist) which gives an extremely brief overview of the artist in question before diving straight into the artwork. This simple format works in the book's favour, because the essay serves more to set the mood for the forthcoming illustrations. Ballard's short piece barely even discusses Dali's life, but instead provides a whimsical personal interpretation of the artist's personality and persona, which I felt provided more context (and left the reader to determine their own opinions about Dali's artwork) than a typical academic essay. As for the artwork, it is clear why this book stood above - presenting each piece on their own page, with accompanying details zoomed in, is clearly the best way for each artwork to impact the reader. ( )