This book typifies an endemic problem in art history literature: there are a great many scholars with an encyclopaedic knowledge of their subject but who lack the pedagogic and technical skills needed to communicate it in written format. Mr. Anfam is obviously an authority on this most fascinating of art genres, but he is an absolutely terrible writer. I am an ardent fan of abstract expressionism but found the book difficult to finish because it was written so awkwardly. A second complaint regards not just this book but this entire series. The dearth of color plates is understandalbe in so inexpensive a book, but it is especially regrettable for a book covering so dynamic a subject matter. In summary, I would look elsewhere for an introduction to this genre: Mr. Anfams writing does not do the subject justice.
David Anfams Abstract Expressionism is as good an introduction to 20th century American art as youll find anywhere. Whether youre a novice or an expert (Im sort of inbetween) I think youre bound to find this book indispensable. Despite its concise length Abstract Expressionism manages to cover the subject in depth as well as breadth. Besides offering sharp insights into the classic work of Pollock, Newman, de Kooning etc more neglected artists, such as Lee Krasner and the photographer Aaron Siskind, are brought into the fold. The description of the pre-war origins of the New York School makes fascinating reading and helps you appreciate the high-point of Abstract Expressonism. Theres not a single superfluous sentence in the book. Thats not surpising as Anfam really knows his subject - it turns out hes also the author of the definitive work on Rothko, the brillliant Rothko Catalogue Raisonée. This book has me itching to get into the gallery and see the work - and for an art book you cant say better than that. Its just a shame its a 3,000 mile trip from London to MoMA - tate modern just wont do!
This book covers the careers of some of the leaders in the Abstract Expressionism movement(post WW2), but keeps the context of the movement by showing 169 illustrations(29 color) by a wide variety of pertinent artists and pieces.The down side to this book is the amount of black and white pictures in relation to the colour pictures. In a field of art that that is reliant on colour, this is a serious drawback to the longevity of this book as anything more than a really good resource.
