Brombert delves into a study of Manet's personal life and social mileu in order to examine the ambiguities surrounding his art and the scandal it provoked in the 19th century art world. This work weighs in on the debate concerning whether Manet's intended to revolutionize art, conceding the artist more credit for his intellectualism and imagination than many earlier studies of his life. She also examines his relationship with women and provides readings of his important works. Illustrated with 70 halftones.  (FRN377, $19.95)