The American Art Book

by Phaidon Press

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 A to Z format that departs from the usual emphasis on genres and time periods, it offers an unparalleled overview of the most influential and best-loved American artists from Colonial times to the present. This 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 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 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.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, American, Art History

520 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 1999

About the author

Phaidon Press is a global publisher of books on art, architecture, design, fashion, photography, and popular culture, as well as cookbooks, children's books, and travel books. The company is based in London and New York City, with additional offices in Paris and Berlin. -wikipedia

Reviews

[bethanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, little book that one can keep either in the bookshelf or on the coffee table. The American Art Book is a wonderful little guide to famous American art works. Bought for a painting class I never got to take, I kept this book because it's got a lot of wonderful paintings and showcases many great artists. If you're an artist, this is a must-have for your bookshelves. If you're an art fanatic, this is a must-have.

[José Azuaje-Fidalgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American Art Book by Phaidon Press offers a comprehensive and accessible panorama of American artistic expression, spanning from the austere Puritan portraits through the radiant vistas of the Hudson River School and Impressionism, to the cutting-edge realms of conceptual and digital art today. This extensive compendium not only serves as an indispensable reference for scholars and enthusiasts alike but also elegantly traces the evolution of America’s visual culture with clarity and breadth. Its alphabetical format ensures both usability and discovery, making it a cornerstone volume for understanding the multifaceted narrative of American art history.

— José Azuaje-Fidalgo

[James Kinsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only real issue is the size. Good for budgetary reasons, obviously, but what you save, you also lose in terms of the images reproduced.

That said, these Phaidon art books are fabulous. Picture, relevant dates, brief description - one per artist. They make a great beginning to a journey into art.

[Avis Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

The books proves, more than anything else, how wildly uneven in quality American Art is.

[Zaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book in its entirety and you will access a wealth of creativity.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This s an excellent cross section of American art as a whole. It does miss a few major art movements but is great as an introductory read.