Savage Messiah

H.S. Ede's biography of artist Henri Gaudier is told mostly in the form of letters from Gaudier to his beloved companion, Sophie Brzeska. The letters make clear the difference between a true artist, who works tirelessly at his craft, and a false one like Brzeska whose literary efforts were ingrown and ultimately unfinished. It is a testament to Gaudier's character that, even in the throes of poverty, he would offer his sculptures to admirers for free. Gaudier was killed in World War I at the age of 23.