Every art history student is familiar with Manet's painting of the Execution of Maximillian. Most have read of the history. This book is the record of a wonderful exhibition at MOMA that has brought together most of the collection--studies, lithos, sketches. You will follow the development: from Goya's inspiration through the original concept of Mexican soldiers administering the execution. Then, the different versions of the final painting in which Manet substitutes French soldiers for the Mexicans, blaming Napoleon for the death because he deserted Maximillian. Manet's politics, influenced by his parents and the injustice and error-ridden actions of Napoleon III, led him to make a statement with his art. (Those events in Mexico remind me of the mess in Iraq.) Make it to the show if you can--in any case this volume should be in every art historian's library.