"An intimate, revelatory portrait of the iconic 20th-century artist, written by his long-time friend and curator, shares insights into Bacon's controversial lifestyle, creative process and indelible role in the art cultures of London and Paris."--NoveList

• Preface
• Part one: 1963-1966. 1. Absolute beginner
• 2. Under the spell
• 3. Bacon's Boswell
• 4. Mischief in Morocco
• 5. Conversations at night
• Part two: 1966-1976. 6. Exile and revolution
• 7. 'Poor George'
• 8. A death foreshadowed
• 9. Consumed by guilt
• 10. The inspiration of pain
• Part three: 1976-1992. 11. 'Only Francis Bacon is more wonderful than you'
• 12. Primal cries
• 13. Whose turn is it now?
• 14. An ancient simplicity
• Epilogue