This instructive, deeply personal autobiography of the great Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco (1883-1949) -- one of the most creative artists of the twentieth century -- is filled with fascinating reflections on his life, Mexico, mural painting, and much more. Unlike the work of his contemporaries Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Sequeiros, Orozco's eloquent and majestic art was never tied to a political movement. Instead, his work displayed a furious devotion to humanity and strong social convictions, evident in sometimes didactic, often monumental and extraordinarily powerful murals and other paintings. This volume, a compilation of articles Orozco dictated to his wife for publication in a Mexican periodical, offers a wealth of insights about the artist's first inspirations, his relationships with other painters, and his experiences in the United States; it is particularly good at showing the gentle and reticent side of an artist of violent emotions and strong opinions. A valuable addition to any art lover's library, this moving and revelatory volume will fascinate general readers and intrigue anyone interested in twentieth-century art.