AnelegantconsiderationoftheSurrealistmovementasaglobalphenomenonandwhyitcontinuestoresonate“Mr.Polizzotticarefullybalancesthemovement’saspirationsandattainmentsagainstitsflawsandcontradictions,hopingtorecuperateSurrealism’s’criticalandimaginativeessence’forthepresent....Thebestconciseaccountofthemovementavailable.“--MichaelSaler,WallStreetJournalWhydoesSurrealismcontinuetofascinateusacenturyafterAndr矇Breton’sManifestoofSurrealism?HowdoweencounterSurrealismtoday?MarkPolizzottivibrantlyreframestheSurrealistmovementincontemporarytermsandoffersinsightintowhyitcontinuestoinspiremakersandconsumersofart,literature,andculture.PolizzottishowshowmanyformsofpopularmediacanthankSurrealismfortheirexistence,includingMontyPython,TheatreoftheAbsurd,andtrendsinfashion,film,andliterature.Whilediscussingthemovement’siconicfigures--includingAndr矇Breton,LeonoraCarrington,SalvadorDal穩,Ren矇Magritte,ManRay,andDorotheaTanning--healsobroadensthetraditionallyFrenchandmale-focusednarrative,constructingamorediverseandglobalrepresentation.AndheaddresseshowtheSurrealistsgrappledwithideasthatmirrorcurrentconcerns,includingracialandeconomicinjustice,sexualpolitics,issuesofidentity,laborunrest,andpoliticalactivism.WhySurrealismMattersprovidesaconcise,engagingexplorationofhow,acenturylater,the“Surrealistrevolution“remainsasdynamicasever.
