The book explores the life and art of James Castle, a deaf artist from Idaho whose unique sensory experiences shaped his extraordinary creations. Growing up in a homesteading family, Castle developed a remarkable visual memory, translating his surroundings into soot and saliva drawings. His exposure to early 20th-century print culture and his time at a school for the deaf influenced his innovative use of letters and words in art. Author John Beardsley presents Castle's work through various environments, offering insights into his imaginative world and including a definitive biography of the artist.
John Beardsley Book order






- 2021
- 2017
Out there - landscape architecture on global terrain
- 159 pages
- 6 hours of reading
City and country—these terms are generally regarded as opposites. The urban, with its constructed spaces and places, is separated from nature, with its mature landscapes and clearings. Yet, today’s landscape architecture explores both of them as a single system, making it possible to see the mutual dependency of these supposedly opposing developments. In view of massive changes in ecological systems, as well as increasing migration and the spread of unplanned human settlements, landscape architecture is also being confronted with global challenges. This catalogue is a plea to redefine the discipline’s position. Innovative but complex approaches are presented in examples of specific projects from all over the world. Landscape architecture today commits itself to the spatial systems that will shape tomorrow’s society. (German edition: ISBN 978-3-7757-4258-0) Exhibition: Architekturmuseum der TU München in der Pinakothek der Moderne 29.3.–11.6.2017
- 2015
Plant Life of Western Australia
- 328 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Dr. John S. Beard came to Western Australia in 1961 as Foundation Director of the Botanic Garden being established in Perth's King's Park. The garden, which officially opened in 1965, has become one of Perth's major attractions for visitors and the local population. It has a scientific as well as a popular function, being principally devoted to study of native plants. First published in 1990, Plant Life of Western Australia grew out of a project that was developed with the assistance of Dr. Beard. The project became known as the Vegetation Survey of Western Australia, with the aim of mapping the plant life of the entire state. Any ecologist travelling through this stretch of country is not only aware of the plant species that are present and their arrangement into communities, but of the whole structure of the landscape, its geology, its forms in mountains, hills, and plains, and the climate, both past and present. Dr. Beard acquired an unrivalled knowledge of the landscapes and their plant cover over the immense area of Western Australia
- 2006
Earthworks and Beyond: Contemporary Art in the Landscape
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Focusing on the evolution of land art, this updated edition surveys the influential movement that began in the 1960s and continues to transform landscapes today. It incorporates recent projects, providing an insightful look into how artists interact with both remote and urban environments. The book serves as an accessible guide to understanding the significance and impact of earthworks on contemporary art and culture.
- 2003
Gardens of Revelation: 10 Leading Reporters and Editors on the Perils and Pitfalls of the Press
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring twenty-five "visionary environments," the book highlights the unique creators behind these artistic spaces. It places their work within broader contexts, such as traditional garden design, religious architecture, and folk art. The insightful narrative, paired with stunning visuals of diverse gardens, offers an inspiring perspective on the intersection of art and nature, showcasing the independence and creativity of the individuals involved.
- 1996
A Landscape for Modern Sculpture: Scotland's Seaside Links
- 112 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The book explores the harmonious integration of monumental sculpture and landscape at Storm King Art Center, a remarkable 200-acre sculpture park. Featuring works by renowned artists like Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson, it highlights site-specific commissions and thoughtfully installed pieces that enhance the park's natural beauty. Photographer David Finn's stunning imagery reveals intricate details and aerial perspectives, while John Beardsley's engaging text offers insights into the collection's evolution and the unique atmosphere of Storm King over the past twenty-five years.