Forty-one False Starts

This collection of essays by Janet Malcolm explores the world of painters, photographers, writers, and critics, with a notable focus on the artistic process. Her renowned title essay, "Forty-one False Starts," is a stunning portrait of painter David Salle through multiple attempts to capture his essence. Malcolm's signature insight and intellectual provocation shines through as she delves into the passionate collaborations of Edward Weston's nudes, the character of art photographer Thomas Struth, and the work of Edith Wharton and Cecily von Zeigesar. Through these essays, Malcolm cements her status as a canonical nonfiction writer.