Simon J. Bronner, distinguished professor of American studies and folklore, has co-authored a book titled “Whirligigs:  The Art of Peter Gelker,” with Lynn Gamwell, faculty member at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

The book explores the historical and psychological aspects of the work of Peter Gelker, a major American psychiatrist turned artist. This book accompanies major exhibitions of his work in Los Angeles and Chicago.  Gelker’s traditional American folk art is a combination of his passion and psychology.

The book was published by Grand Central Press of Fullerton, California. Bronner contributed a special essay on psychological ethnology where he discussed the study of human emotions and motivations that fuel the creation of folk art.