M.C. Escher: 29 Master Prints

In the extraordinary world of M.C. Escher, time, space, and visual reality have been rearranged according to an ingenious logic—simultaneity of perspective is commonplace, space appears to be infinite, and positive and negative are interchangeable.

At first, Escher's work appealed to a rarefied group of mathematicians, who delighted in his logic and precision, and collectors, who marveled at his ability to create fantastical surrealist worlds that confuse the eye and delight the imagination.

Now, over thirty-five years after his death, his designs, motifs, and constructed universes have become part of the world's visual language—influencing new generations of artists both on and off the computer; and appearing on everything from posters to textile prints and wallpaper.

The twenty-nine works reproduced in this collection include some of his most spellbinding creations. One powerful obsession that preoccupied Escher was what he called "the regular division of the plane," the puzzle-like interlocking birds, fish, lizards, and other natural forms in continuous patterns. Smaller and Smaller, Sky and Water I, Cycle, and Metamorphosis III are superb examples of his exploration of dimension and illusion.

Many generations have now fallen in love with the ingeniously worked two-dimensional world of M.C. Escher. This generously sized collection of twenty-nine of his masterworks will enthrall a new audience of curious visual adventurers and remind existing admirers of his unique ability to imagine something impossible and the make it possible through his art.