Essay by Keith F. Davis
Interview by Michael Torosian
Chronology by April M. Watson
251 pages, Yale University Press

 Reality is greater than our dreams
Yet it is within ourselves that we find the clues to reality
Clues are essences and keys and keys are stronger
Than the doors they open
Life itself is not the reality
We are the ones who put life into stones and pebbles
If we did not dream reality would collapse
(F.S., Aperture 10, no. 4 (1962)

A beautiful display of art and the absolute comfort of humanness, this book willseduce you. It will turn your aspirations and curiosity inside out, and it will inspire you to a completely new level. Frederick Sommer can and will open your mind to infinity.

First, you should know that simply holding this book in your hands will enlighten you; in these pages you will find some of the most amazing ideas in art, and art will never be the same for you. Viewing the images will change the way your mind processes “beauty,” and you will see it in things you never even imagined being “artful.”

Born in 1905, Fred displayed a strong interest by age 11, and his life was an amazing adventure. Fred spoke five languages and traveled to some of th greatest places in the world; his curiosity caused his personal creation to be possible on every level. He broke the rules in nearly every aspect of photography, drawing and collage— the media he used are truly endless. If he could imagine it, it could be done. If he could see it, it was.

Sommer created The Giant in 1946

On a literary level Fred spoke with profound thought and frankness. He was sought after for his opinions and knowledge on art and aesthetics, lecturing at some of the very best universities and galleries in the world. Fred’s relationships with some of the most influential artists and architects is fascinating and impressive; names like Max Ernst and Ansel Adams will surely catch your attention. As a poet he was as powerful with his words as he was with his visual art. Every word spoken and written on life and art in this book is not only believable and possible, but, somehow, also exactly what you need to hear.

The book’s layout is as impressive as the artist himself, full of richness and texture. Every page is worth ogling many, many times. Fred believed that you should experience, every day, the greatest and best that is available to you, that life is about savoring.

Here’s another opportunity for you.

Fredrick Sommer and his wife, Frances, lived in Prescott, Arizona from 1934 to the time of their deaths in 1999. Set in trust, editors Naomi Lyons and Jeremy Cox have created a fantastic and inspiring classic.