"Accompanying the first full-scale retrospective of David Ireland's work, this book provides an insightful overview of over thirty years of the artist's accomplishments, from his drawings, sculptures, and site-specific installations to his remarkable series of architectural transformations, including his well-known house at 500 Capp Street in San Francisco. Chronicling Ireland's circuitous route to his calling, curator and author Karen Tsujimoto explores how key life experiences have influenced his artistic perspective - from his early art-student days, through his years as an African importer and safari guide to his long standing interest in Eastern, and particularly Zen, philosophy and his connections to the Bay Area art community. An illuminating essay by Jennifer R. Gross helps to place Ireland's work in relationship to the work of other conceptual artists and especially considers his art in terms of historical materialism - assessing his use of neglected materials and artifacts as a process of cultural preservation." "With over 140 color and black-and-white images, as well as a detailed chronology, bibliography, and exhibition history, this volume offers the first thorough exploration of Ireland's visually and intellectually provocative work."--Jacket.