"Julien Levy (1906-1981) was one of the most influential proponents of photography and Surrealism during the second quarter of the twentieth century. In his gallery, which operated from 1931 to 1949, Levy hosted the first New York exhibition devoted to Surrealism and presented early solo exhibitions of many photographers now considered iconic in their field." "This handsome book is published to commemorate the centenary of Levy's birth and to celebrate the Philadelphia Museum of Art's major acquisition of more then 2,500 photographs from his collection. With some 300 illustrations, including many unfamiliar works by well-known artists, the catalogue presents a survey of this collection, long hidden from public view."--Jacket.