Red-haired Auguste Rodin was a poor boy who dreamed of becoming an artist. Ignoring his father's scolding, he searched the student quarter of Paris until he found a free art school. Encouraged by his sister, he tried out three times for the Beaux Arts Academy and three times was refused.

His sister's death in 1862 was such a devastating loss that Rodin at twenty-two entered a monastery, but was soon advised by Father Eymard to return to sculpture.

For eight years he worked as a sculptor's assistant and saved enough money to rent a studio of his own. In 1877 he exhibited a standing figure, "The Age of Bronze," which was so realistic that he was accused of casting it from the living model.

After years of work Rodin's name became known. His vigorous portraits and groups of figures brought him fame and money, but his greatest works caused him bitter disappointments. The town of Calais refused to place his "Burghers" on their public square, the Nancy town council forced him to alter his monument to Claude Lorrain, and his "Balzac" was ridiculed and rejected.

This is a biography of a great master who lived to achieve fame, but whose greatest contributions were not recognized in his lifetime.

From the dust jacket