The American Art Book (English)

On its publication in 1999, THE AMERICAN ART BOOK immediately filled a critical gap in accessible yet authoritative surveys on American artists of the past three centuries. With an An to Z format that departs from the usual emphasis on genres and time periods, it offerers an unparalleled overview of the most influential and best loved American artists from Colonial times to the present. THE AMERICAN ART BOOK is now available in a new mini version that presents the compelling content of the original edition in a highly portable format that is both useful as a serious work of reference and fun for on the go art enthusiasts. THE AMERICAN ART BOOK presents 500 artists and their works, ranging from Puritan portraits to the luminous paintings of the Hudson River School and the American Impressionists, to the videos and digital works of today's most intriguing conceptual artists. Its alphabetical format generates intriguing juxtapositions: Jenny Holzer faces Winslow Homer, and Richard Avedon sits next to Milton Avery, encouraging readers to contemplate the connections between art and American history and popular culture. Each artist is represented by a full page colour plate of a representative work, and an informative, engaging text which places the artist and the image in the context of contemporary movements and preceding traditions. THE AMERICAN ART BOOK includes an easy to use glossary of artistic terms and movements, and a directory of museums and public collections across the United States and around the world with important holdings in American art. With its original format and fresh selections of artwork, this volume offers a stimulating way to approach this rich, varied subject. minimize