About the Author

Independent scholar Mary Emma Harris is Chair and Director of the Black Mountain College Project.

Reviews

"Katz manages to evoke a world of cross-media artistic possibility that seems as vast as it was often joyous." Publisher's Weekly

Few colleges have had as much influence on American culture as Black Mountain College, an educational establishment open for only 24 years. Through a holistic approach and concentration on the arts, the college aimed to prepare students for life in a democracy. Education at the college encompassed not just academics but every aspect of life, from growing food to making furniture. Harris, an art historian, has done a superb research job, documenting in detail the life of the college from its founding in 1933 to its closing in 1957. The book is lavishly illustrated with scenes of the college, its students, and some of their work. Also included is an appendix listing those involved with the college: Charles Olson, John Cage, Buckminster Fuller, and Merce Cunningham are among the notables.Nancy R. Ives, State Univ. of New York at Geneseo

"Katz manages to evoke a world of cross-media artistic possibility that seems as vast as it was often joyous." Publisher's Weekly