Nat Tate: An American Artist 1928-1960

The infamous literary hoax that fooled the art worldOn 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.

Reviews of Nat Tate: An American Artist 1928-1960

One of Britain's most celebrated contemporary novelists * Sunday Times * A finely judged performance: a deft and resonant alchemy of fact and fiction, of literary myth and imagination * Guardian on Love Is Blind * William Boyd has probably written more classic books than any of his contemporaries * Daily Telegraph *