The Lives of Lucian Freud cover art

The Lives of Lucian Freud

Youth 1922 - 1968

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The Lives of Lucian Freud

By: William Feaver
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents The Lives of Lucian Freud: YOUTH 1922–1968 by William Feaver, read by Jonathan Keeble.

SELECTED AS BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, NEW STATESMAN, SUNDAY TIMES, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT AND SPECTATOR
SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2019

‘This exceptional book is far from standard biography … A compendium of high-grade gossip about everyone from Princess Margaret to the Krays, a tour of the immediate post-war art world, a snapshot of grimy London and a narrative of Freud’s career and rackety life and loves … Leaves the reader itchy for volume two’ SUNDAY TIMES, ART BOOK OF THE YEAR

‘Brilliant … Freud would have approved’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘Sparkling’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘Superlative … packed with stories’ GUARDIAN

‘Brilliant and compendious ... It does justice to Lucian’ FRANK AUERBACH

'A tremendous read. Anyone interested in British art needs it' ANDREW MARR, NEW STATESMAN

Though ferociously private, Lucian Freud spoke every week for decades to his close confidante and collaborator William Feaver – about painting and the art world, but also about his life and loves. The result is this a unique, electrifying biography, shot through with Freud’s own words.

In Youth, the first of two volumes, Feaver conjures Freud’s early childhood: Sigmund Freud’s grandson, born into a middle-class Jewish family in Weimar Berlin, escaping Nazi Germany in 1934 before being dropped into successive English public schools. Following Freud through art school, his time in the Navy during the war, his post-war adventures in Paris and Greece, and his return to Soho – consorting with duchesses and violent criminals, out on the town with Greta Garbo and Princess Margaret – Feaver traces a brilliant, difficult young man’s coming of age.

An account of a century told through one of its most important artists, The Lives of Lucian Freud is a landmark in the story its subject and in the art of biography itself.©2019 William Feaver (P)2019 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Art Art & Literature Artists, Architects & Photographers War Royalty

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All stars
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Excellent reading of a tremendously interesting life. Freuds story is extraordinary, and it is told in a compelling way in this book.

Excellent and of great interest

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I love learning about Lucian Freud earlier years. I was amazed by the detailed information about his relationships and his work process. I look forward to the next one about his later years.

Great story about Lucian Freud

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This is a fantastic but extremely dense and detailed book which I found hard to read but which is transformed as an audio book.
Jonathan Keeble shapes the narrative and slows it down in such a way that it is much easier to take in. A perfect example of when Audible comes into its own.

When Audible comes into its own

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Lots to think about regarding the art and riveting story of the life and times. Interesting on Bacon, the war, Clark etc

Riveting

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A rich biography with a huge depth of research. The narrator made Lucian's quotes seem like it was him taking, building up a rich and wretched character. Made me appreciate the art and dislike the man.

Full of good anecdotes, well researched

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Marvellous account of an effervescent painter ... beautifully written, narrated and chock full of art-world gossip. A high recommend.

Marvellous account ...

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I found this book a real plod. I nearly gave up a couple of times but I don’t like giving up on books so I persevered. Not a book I would recommend and won’t be reading the next part.

LONG WINDED

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