Nicolas Poussin (1593/4 - 1665) was revered, almost canonized, during his lifetime and immediately afterwards as the doyen of painters, the only one among the \"Moderns\" (apart from Raphael) to equal the achievements of the Ancients. Poussin\'s four most important early biographers were Sandrart, Passeri, Bellori, and Felibien. All of them knew Poussin personally at some stage of his career, and each with his particular focus emphasizes different aspects of his life and work. It is this that makes a comparative study of their writings of special interest. Claire Pace, in her introduction to -- and notes on -- this facsimile edition of Felebien\'s \"Life of Poussin,\" provides such a comparison. Felebien\'s writings and theories in general are also discussed, as well as the relationship of his ideas to those of other critics in France at the time (e.g. du Fresnoy and Freart de Chambray). In particular, the development of Felebien\'s stance in the \"Dessein-Coloris\" dispute (which preoccupied critics) is analyzed, and an estimate is given of Felebien\'s standing as a critic. The Introduction concludes with a consideration of the biography of Poussin, the crown of the \"Entretiens,\" and the summit of Felebien\'s achievement. Except for some minor wear to the cover, and the name of the previous owner written on the front flyleaf, this paperback book is as new and appears to be unread.