Solomon's book actually had two editors -- perhaps therein lies the problem.

But yes, as just stated moments (column inch or two) ago, I do find the passage understandable in context and, what's more, quite interesting. Somewhat curiously, his paintings were lauded here just a few days ago, and yet this is simply (though it is not simple) and nothing more than his account of how he achieved those effects. That alone makes it compelling and worth the effort.

It's not nearly as hard a slog as, say, the contemporary British offering from Simon Winchester, [url=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0198607024/qid=945629584/sr=1-19/astrokeofgenius]"The Meaning of Everything