Nat Tate

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

The infamous literary hoax that fooled the art world, with a new introduction by William Boyd

On January 8 1960, artist Nat Tate set out to burn his entire life's work. Four days later he jumped off a Staten Island ferry, killing himself. His body was never found.

When William Boyd published his biography of Abstract Expressionist Nat Tate, tributes poured in from a whole host of artists and critics in the New York art world. They toasted the troubled genius in a Manhattan launch party attended by David Bowie and Gore Vidal.

But Nat Tate never existed. The book was a hoax.

Will Boyd's biography of a fake artist is a brilliant probe into the politics of authenticity and reputation in the modern art scene. It is a playful and intelligent insight into the fascinating, often cryptic world of modern art.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9780241988879
Published: August 2020

Number of pages: 80
Width: 129 mm
Height: 198 mm
Depth: 5 mm

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd