I read this book in conjunction with Richardson's life of Picasso, vol. 1... it really taught me a lot about this towering genius. The books only go up to his 25th year...and what an output! If you really want to know about Picasso, esp. his early life... read these books.
I was touched and felt very emotional after looking through his paintings of his depiction of the poor and the weight they bare. I found his era of performers to be magical.