Dali by Conroy Maddox

Dali by Conroy Maddox is an illustrated exploration of the life, art and extraordinary imagination of Salvador Dalí, one of the twentieth century’s most instantly recognisable and controversial artists. Written by British Surrealist artist and writer Conroy Maddox, this accessible study approaches Dalí not simply as a painter, but as a central and provocative figure within the wider Surrealist movement.

Maddox examines the development of Dalí’s distinctive artistic personality, tracing the influences, ideas and obsessions that shaped his work. The book explores his relationship with Surrealism and figures including André Breton, Luis Buñuel and Gala, while considering the dream imagery, symbolism and unconventional visual techniques that became synonymous with Dalí’s art. Famous themes including distorted forms, dream landscapes, double images and the celebrated melting watches are placed within the broader development of Dalí’s career.

Generously illustrated throughout, the volume reproduces numerous examples of Dalí’s paintings and other artistic work, making it both an introduction to the artist and an attractive visual reference. Maddox’s own connection with the Surrealist movement gives the text particular interest, providing a perspective from an author who was himself deeply involved with Surrealist ideas and practice.

Published by Hamlyn in 1981, this large-format 96-page softcover edition is an appealing addition to collections devoted to Salvador Dalí, Surrealism, twentieth-century art, modern European painting and art history. It is particularly suitable for collectors, students and readers seeking an affordable illustrated introduction to Dalí and his remarkable artistic world.

Condition – Fair

Internally appears clean and well preserved, but the softcover shows noticeable handling and shelf wear, including rubbing/scuffing, surface marks, edge and corner wear, creasing and small areas of loss. Most notably, the lower spine/fore-edge area and adjacent text-block corner are bumped and compressed, producing visible waviness and distortion to the lower page edges. Binding remains intact and the book is fully usable.