Alexander Calder's place in contemporary art is widely recognized both here and abroad. The spirited gaiety of his work, his unusual sense of mechanical contrivance and his ingenious exploration of movement are unique in abstract sculpture. Though his 'mobiles' have been enjoyed by a widening public, little has been generally known of his evolution as an artist. This first monograph reveals a coherent line of development within the diversity of his work, which includes animated toys, a miniature circus, wood carving, wire sculpture, jewelry and sheet metal constructions as well as motorized and wind 'mobiles.' While the idiom of his art is international, he is, as Fernand Leger has remarked, 'American 100%.' This paradox is explained in the introduction, which defines the Yankee flavor of his work and reveals as well its analogies with the most advanced European sculpture of the last thirty years. The book is excellently documented with a chronology and lists of exhibitions of the artist's work, graphic art and theatre designs in addition to an extensive bibliography.
