A biography of the modernist writer, Gertrude Stein. Known today for her experimental writings, she was drawn into the heart of the literary and artistic world of early 20th century Paris. She soon became a central figure in this elite group, hosting such figures as Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Georges Braque, and F.Scott Fitzgerald at her salon in the rue de Fleurus. Stein was painted by Picasso and Vallotton, and photographed by Man Ray and Cecil Beaton. This portrait of Stein documents her life. The photographs are arranged chronologically, interwoven with extracts from her work, and with letters and journals, and with the memoirs of those who knew her. An introduction gives further biographical information, and detailed chronologies precede each section.