This is a wonderful book. This large-formatted volume contains a short introduction by Richardson, which is an abridgment of a 1958 monograph he produced on Manet; followed by 48 full-page color prints, with commentary added by Kathleen Adler. I found the prints, and Adler's brief but perceptive commentary actually to be the most valuable section.
I had always thought that I had preferred Monet to Manet -- but I was wrong. Looking closely at the work of Manet, he seems to have a far richer mind, though his paintings lack the visual beauty of Monet's. I can see now why Picasso was so admiring of Manet.