Library Journal Review

In this substantial work, Zurich-based art historian Bocola (editor of African Seats) analyzes the development of modern art from the 1790s to the 1990s. Engaging discussions of the influential artists (Beuys, Czanne, Duchamp, Kandinsky, and Seurat, among many others), styles, and movements of modernism comprise much of the work. In addition, Bocola discusses historic world views in the humanities, philosophy, politics, and science in order to provide context for the modernist movement in art. The book proceeds chronologically from the birth of modernism to its death, with discussions on historically significant cultural events and opinions interspersed as separate chapters on gray paper and hence not always well incorporated into the text. The book is supplemented by 600 black-and-white images and an index of names but no general index. This detailed, interdisciplinary study is recommended for all academic and larger public libraries.DJennifer Mayer, Univ. of Wyoming Libs., Laramie (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.