Calder: The Conquest of Space

Praise

“The noted art critic concludes his stately, authoritative biography with this look at the sculptor’s career triumphs and legacy.”—The New York Times

“It takes a big-hearted, ambitious biographer to take on the life of a big-hearted, ambitious artist. Alexander Calder has found a perfect match in Jed Perl.”—The Washington Post 
 
“A passionate, erudite, and scrupulously researched reckoning with one of the 20th century’s most exciting artists.”—The Atlantic
 
“A well-researched and engaging narrative rich in anecdotes . . . By the end of Mr. Perl’s second volume, we are left in no doubt as to the depth and durability of Calder’s career.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Perl’s narrative makes Calder come alive . . . Unlike the other major artists of the 20th century, Calder has never had a comprehensive biography that set his life and work in context. Thanks to Jed Perl’s magisterial work, now he does.”—The Christian Science Monitor

“The monumental conclusion to a two-part biography of Alexander Calder . . . In this masterfully researched work, Perl has constructed an impressive monument that should raise the standards for future art biographies . . . Erudite and accessible . . . Exquisite . . . A towering achievement.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“Perl completes his magisterial biography of sculptor Alexander Calder with this lavishly illustrated volume . . .  Calder admirers will delight in this exhaustively researched and illuminating retrospective.”—Publishers Weekly (starred)

“An erudite, wide-ranging biography gives us the fun-loving, sophisticated man in full.”—David D’Arcy, The Art Newspaper



“A gargantuan effort . . .  Super-fans will learn everything they’ve ever wanted to know, and probably more, about this influential artist.”—New Criterion