The American Art Book

The groundbreaking survey, showcasing 500 of the greatest American artists, now updated in an essential new edition

‘A lavish glimpse not only into American Art, but into the history of the century as well.’ – The Times

Fully revised and updated, this new edition of Phaidon’s seminal volume The American Art Book provides an unparalleled look into the richness and diversity of American art. Covering more than three centuries, this stunning survey tells the history of a country through its most vital artists, each of whom has been thoughtfully selected for inclusion by an advisory team of leading curators, historians, and institutional directors.

From the earliest colonial portraitists, Impressionist luminaries, the giants of Modernism, earthwork innovators, and Pop Art icons to today’s contemporary visionaries, each artist is represented by a key work, an introductory text written by an expert in the field, and cross-references to other artists, inspiring new connections through art history.

Featured artists include: Ansel Adams, Josef Albers, Diane Arbus, Ruth Asawa, Richard Avedon, Matthew Barney, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, Vija Celmins, Frederic Edwin Church, John Singleton Copley, Gregory Crewdson, Helen Frankenthaler, Jared French, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Robert Gwathmey, Keith Haring, Barkley L. Hendricks, Jenny Holzer, Arthur Jafa, Joshua Johnson, Henrietta Johnston, Alex Katz, Gaston Lachaise, Jacob Lawrence, Edmonia Lewis, Maya Lin, Man Ray, Ana Mendieta, Senga Nengudi, Nam June Paik, Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Andy Warhol, and Carrie Mae Weems

Advisors include: Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander, Kathleen Ash-Milby, Horace D. Ballard, David Breslin, Mel Buchanan, JR Henneman, Rujeko Hockley, Jonathan D. Katz, Franklin Kelly, Harper Montgomery, Lowery Stokes Sims, Juliet Sperling, Bradley Sumrall, and Leslie Umberger

Review

‘Embracing everything from Folk Art to Pop Art, this is a lavish glimpse not only into American Art, but into the history of the century as well.’ – The Times

‘Well-produced and broad in its selection… it is a highly comprehensive and thought-provoking publication.’ – Good Book Guide

‘Avoids the obvious, evoking each artist's best-known work with accessible alternates.’ – US News & World Report

‘The writers are a heavy-hitting group of critics and curators ... even the most casual art lovers will find inspiration and illumination.’ – The Christian Science Monitor

‘Lends itself to surprising and stimulating visual juxtapositions.’ – Folk Art