Favored Strangers

This biography contains anecdotes and details about Gertrude Stein's exchanges on art, life, food and literature with luminaries such as Hemingway, Matisse, Juan Gris, Picasso, Virgil Thompson and many others. Incidents are retold and bolstered by primary sources. The author provides an understanding of the style and substances of Stein's works and life, emphasizing Stein's social genius. The book introduces familial and domestic detail, not only enhancing Stein's significance as an artist and cultural critic, but also presenting her anew. It contains previously unavailable material, from family papers, letters and archives.