JAMES CASTLE : A RETROSPECTIVE; (Catalogue of an Exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Oct. 14, 2008 - January 4, 2009

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Museum of Art / Yale University Press, 2009. Hardcover. Near Fine / Very Good Plus. Large Quarto, 12 in. x 9.25 in., pp. 251. Illustrated with 420 color and 17 black and white illustrations. Olive boards with gilt title to spine. Original sales/UPC sticker to rear of dustjacket. DVD Film entitled "James Castle: Portrait of an Artist" in DVD sleeve affixed to rear pastedown. Protected in mylar. Published to celebrate the James Castle Exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: October 14 2008 - January 4 2009.

James Castle (1899-1977) was an American artist who found inspiration in the detritus of everyday life, primarily in the materials he collected from his family's home such as envelopes, packaging, advertisements and matchbooks. Working mostly with soot, spit and homemade tools, he was able to create a rich, complex style that was wholly his own. Castle was born deaf and had limited means of communication. However, with the support of his family, he had dedicated space, supplies and plenty of time to make art. Though he did not gain recognition for his art until the 1950s, Castle's work is now exhibited in museums and galleries across the world.

Includes essays by Ann Percy, Jacqueline Crist, Brendan Greaves, Nancy Ash and Scott Homolka, Beth Anne Price, Ken Sutherland, Daniel Kirby and Maarten van Bommel; Interview with Terry Winters by Jeffrey Wolf.