Marcel Duchamp: Appearance Stripped Bare

Paz is so brilliant and his hand in this book is why his name supercedes Duchamp on the cover. If you want to understand the real importance of Duchamp and his influence on EVERYTHING MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY (just about) that came after him, read this book. Skim through some parts by writers who get too labrynthy and but do not skip over Paz specifically.People who are art historians, which I am not except by interest, may have received much of this information through professional or academic training. For me, it makes so much relevant.The French had a cultural and philosophical/intellectual tradition that must be read or discussed along with the art that developed in France. The fact that Paz, rooted in Spanish, can tackle this as an editor/writer, puts the Duchamp the Innovative Artist and Cultural Commentator in a proper frame.If you care for theory, you must absolutely read this.