Édouard Manet is one of the world's best-known artists, but he almost wasn't an artist at all. His father tried to persuade him practice law or join the navy, but Manet wanted to paint. His depictions of modern life, such as café scenes, people going to the opera, and watching horse races, bridged the gap between realism and Impressionism. Readers follow Manet's career from his early life in Paris to the height of his fame. As they read, they learn about different artistic movements and techniques and other important artists of the period. Manet's most famous works are presented to readers, along with informative sidebars.