This is the first publication to explore the extensive activities of German artist Joseph Beuys (1921-1986) in Britain and Ireland. Sean Rainbird returns to primary sources and retraces Beuys's footsteps, examining the rich body of exhibitions, lectures, and actions that grew out of the strong friendships and creative relationships that encouraged the artist to return so often to the British Isles.

Beuys's interest in Celtic myths and artifacts is fully explored, as well as his creative engagement with the linguistic legacy of James Joyce, his concern for Ireland, one of Europe's most troubled conflicts, and his attempt to set up in Dublin his Free International University for Disciplinary Research as a vehicle for social change and creative exploration. This book provides a new perspective on one of the 20th century's most challenging artists. AUTHOR BIO: Sean Rainbird is a Tate curator with a special interest in modern and contemporary art from Germany. He is the author of Beckmann.