“I have come to the conclusion that much can be learned about music by devoting oneself to the mushroom.” - JOHN CAGE, 1954
John Cage: A Mycological Foray draws readers across the idiosyncratic, mushroom-suffused, innermost landscape of celebrated American composer John Cage. Upon the remarkable journey with Cage, one encounters assorted photographs, compositions, and contemplations; all in the very same unexpected fashion one encounters various flora and fungi species while mushroom foraging. Volume I encompasses Cage’s mycological-oriented Indeterminacy stories, Diary excerpts, and essays; and the complete transcript of Cage’s 1983 performance, MUSHROOMS et Variationes. Volume II offers the inaugural reproduction of Cage’s 1972 portfolio, Mushroom Book; authored in collaboration with illustrator Lois Long and botanist Alexander H. Smith. Works by John Cage, essay by Kingston Trinder, texts by Isabelle Bucklow, edited by Ananda Pellerin
John Cage (1912–92) was an American composer and music theorist. Recognized as a pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music and a leading figure of the postwar avant-garde, his influence extended to the realms of dance, poetry, performance and visual art.
John Cage: A Mycological Foray is developed in collaboration with the John Cage Trust.
First Edition
Slipcase (HC), Two Volume (PB) Set
20.3 x 27.3 cm
224 pages including an unbound portfolio
Printed sustainably in Italy