"In his texts, Émile Gallé digs for the sources of his own art ... he allows himself to read his mysterious and refined works through their nexus with literature, philosophy, and contemporary art"--Dust jacket flap.

-- Published to coincide with a major exhibition. -- Examines in depth the historical background of each designer and firm, their styles and techniques. This introduction to the most innovative period of goth century glass-making was published to coincide with The Art of Glass - Art Nouveau to Art Deco exhibition at the Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery. The fascinating history of art glass in this Period begins in the 1880's with the precursors to Art Nouveau, follows the creations of Galle, Daum and Muller Freres. It continues with the development of opalescent, frosted and clear molded glass -- especially Lalique, Art Deco, functionalism, Orrefors and English and Scottish glass. But it is above all the glass itself, beautifully reproduced in full color, that brings to life one of the most exciting and creative periods in the history of art glass.

This book represents the first book-length, critical study of the art of Emile Gallé. It thus promises not only to revolutionize our understanding of his work but also to reframe the study of Art Nouveau by relocating the movement within the deeply politicized context in which it was created.

Included for the first time under one cover are all Galle's major works of furniture, both those he designed as unique pieces for an exclusive clientele and those he displayed at two World Expositions and at the annual Paris Salons between 1889 and his un