In matisse: the books, louise rogers lalaurie reintroduces us to matisse by considering how in each of eight limitededition volumes, the artist constructs an intriguing dialogue between word and image. she also highlights the books’ profound significance for matisse as the catalysts for the extraordinary ‘second life’ of his paper cutouts. in concert with an eclectic selection of poetry, drama and, tantalizingly, matisse’s own words, the books’ images offer an astonishing portrait of creative resistance and regeneration.