American Painting

A large format, slightly over square paperback with fold out covers, the books is arranged in nine chapters which divide the paintings into specific periods. Each chapter opens with a brief illustrated introduction and is followed by the relevant art work. Most paintings are accompanied by a brief narrative which appears alongside the image, which puts the picture in its historical context, or mentions influences or very briefly technique. The paintings are arranged chronologically, although not absolutely strictly so, and range in time from the latter end of the eighteenth century to the early 1980s. The book concludes with a synoptic table, which provides graphic representation of the time period covered showing the major artists included in this volume. There are 400 full colour pictures covering the work of about 150 different artists, mostly presented one of two to a page, occasionally an image will cross the gutter and occupy a page and a half. The page layout does feel cramped with narrow margins, and the small sized text adds to the illusion. The majority of the pictures chosen will be familiar to anyone with even a little knowledge of America art. A useful but perhaps basic book, it is however very well illustrated throughout.