Basquiat's expressive style was based on raw figures and integrated words and phrases. When asked about his subject matter, he answered “royalty, heroism and the streets”; his work is inspired by a pantheon of luminaries from jazz, boxing, and basketball, with references to arcane history and the politics of street life. This book allows an unprecedented insight into his art, with pristine reproduction of all his most seminal paintings, drawings, and notebook sketches. Quotes by the artist and a richly illustrated biography follow up on all the important personal and historical connections.