Curated by Judi Freedman with special essay by John C. Welchman, the book gives an over-view of the artists from 1915 through 1940 who "included words, letters and numbers in their works and in so doing altered perceptions of what a painting or an art object could and should be." -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

This exhibition catalogue was adapted from the German edition published on the occasion of Heartfeld's exhibition at the Akadamie der Kunste zu Berlin in 1991. John Heartfield, born Helmut Herzfeld, is known primarily as an inventor of photomontage. He was a master of bitter, satiric art using images and texts from newspapers, magazines, and advertisements juxtaposing incongruous details and creating strong images. Heartfield's aim was to mobilize social energy and expose the evils and corruptions of Nazi Germany. Fleeing Germany when Hitler came to power, Heartfield worked in England creating graphic design illustrations for the publishing industry. Several designs for book covers and dust jackets by a number of writers are reproduced in the book. Heartfeld was an active member of the Dada group in Germany in the 1920's. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.