On this day in 1898, artist Alexander Calder was born in Lawnton, Pennsylvania.
Though the Press has no mobiles to erect in his honor (the University already
took care of that for us), we do have a fine selection of books for fans of his
work.

The Surreal Calder focuses on Calder’s early pieces, tracing the crucial
influence of Duchamp, Mondrian, and Miró on the young artist. Though Calder is
not usually associated with the Surrealist movement, author Mark Rosenthal puts
forth a rigorous argument for his inclusion in their circle.

Alexander Calder: The Paris Years 1926-1933
focuses specifically on 1926-1933, celebrating Calder’s innovations in
abstraction, motorized and mobile works.

And may we humbly suggest that these books are their own works of art? The
collection-worthy Calder Jewelry was recently spotted on a certain online
retailer’s site selling for $475. If you haven’t a half-grand to spare,
consider one Calder’s other catalogues as a valuable investment.