Glass! Love!! Perpetual Motion!!!

This collection showcases the diverse writings of Paul Scheerbart, including his influential works and essays that highlight his relevance in modern art and architecture.

German writer, critic, and theorist Paul Scheerbart passed away nearly a century ago, yet his impact resonates strongly in contemporary thought. Glass! Love!! Perpetual Motion!!! presents a comprehensive collection of Scheerbart's diverse writings, showcasing his unique perspective and imaginative flair. Once regarded as an eccentric figure, he is now being recognized as a visionary whose ideas have gained renewed interest from a new generation of scholars, positioning him firmly within the modernist canon.

This collection is significant as it marks the first time Scheerbart's works have been made widely accessible in English. It features a selection of his fantastical short stories alongside his influential architectural manifesto, Glass Architecture, and his remarkable narrative, Perpetual Motion: The Story of an Invention. The latter is presented in a format that mimics a scientific treatise, complete with diagrams, yet it serves a deeper purpose, conveying profound insights about innovation and creativity.

Richly illustrated with period materials, many of which have never been reproduced before, Glass! Love!! Perpetual Motion!!! also includes artworks by Scheerbart himself. Additionally, it features essays from various scholars, novelists, and filmmakers, further highlighting Scheerbart's enduring significance in art, architecture, and culture. Coedited by Josiah McElheny and Christine Burgin, this publication offers a long-overdue tribute to a modern master.