The Essential Alexander Calder

The American sculptor, Alexander Calder, was one of the most inventive and beloved artists of his time. He was best known for his mobiles -- hanging, dangling, perfectly balanced innovative sculptures that twist and orbit in the breeze -- and for his stabiles, stationary sculptures that are often enormous and that grace and enliven public spaces around the world. Did you know that: the term mobile was coined by Surrealist artist Marcel Duchamp? Calder created and was ringmaster of a miniature circus that brought him fame in Europe and America and that still delights those who view it? he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering? both his father and grandfather were well-known sculptors in Philadelphia? 68 illustrations, including 52 plates in full color.