Frida A to Z

Book excerpt: An illustrated A to Z celebrating the unparalleled impact of the artistic phenomenon that is Frida Kahlo. This intricately illustrated and fastidiously-researched book unpacks the life of Frida Kahlo, who herself was larger-than-life. Nadia Bailey explores Frida's early days growing up in Coyocoan, Mexico City, in her family home, where she embraced sports - including wrestling - to overcome her childhood ill-health; her school days as one of very few women attending Mexico City's renowned National Preparatory School (where she met Diego Rivera), and the tragic accident that would leave her with a lifetime of pain and artistic ambition. Featuring Susanna Harrison's jaw-dropping illustrations, track Frida's rise as one of Mexico's most important and celebrated artists, her friendships with European surrealists, the sensation caused by her first exhibition in New York, her contribution to popular culture and the unparalleled phenomena that is Frida Kahlo. This book looks at the life, art, collaborations, friendships, politics, beauty and agony surrounding one of the 20th Century's most distinctive and important artistic voices - all in a brilliantly illustrated A to Z format.