This is the first book to tell theinspiring story of near tragedyand ultimate triumph behind thedazzling work of one of today smost respected and best-lovedartists. Chuck Close is one of the most acclaimed American artists toemerge since Andy Warhol. His larger-than-life portraits lookout from the walls of museums and galleries around the globe.His virtuosity and variety of technique, combined with theambition and accessibility of his chosen subject matter theportrait re-invented on a heroic scale has made him a greatfavorite with the public and has won him the respect of hispeers. Chuck Close has achieved fame, yet his full story hasnever been told until now. Author Christopher Finch hasknown Close since the late 1960s when the artist was creatinghis first masterpieces in an unheated SoHo loft. Finchchronicles Close s childhood battles with illness and dyslexiaand his rise to the pinnacle of the art world. At the age of 48 hewas struck down by an occluded spinal artery that left him apartial quadriplegic. With extraordinary determination, Closeovercame this potentially career-ending disability, not onlylearning to paint again but producing work of extraordinaryrichness that equals or surpasses his previous achievements.With style and authority, Finch reveals the human realitybehind Close s visually eloquent but eternally silent portraits.