Modern Art USA: Men, Rebellion, Conquest 1900–1956 Rudi Blesh [Jacket Design: Paul Rand]

Modern Art USA: Men, Rebellion, Conquest 1900–1956 by Rudi Blesh, 1st ed., 1956. Borzoi Book, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, USA. 6 x 8.5, pp. 296. Jacket design by Paul Rand.

Despite its subtitle (Men, Rebellion, Conquest ...) and based on past reviews, apparently many errors and omissions, i still find this book entertaining. In (18) chapters Rudi Blesh helps tell the story of some contributors, events and ideals tied to American modern painting (and some sculpture) featuring: Alfred Stieglitz and his “291” gallery, Marcel Duchamp, Katherine Dreier and the Société Anonyme, the Metropolitan Museum’s controversial 1921 exhibition, Lillie Bliss, Abby Rockefeller and A. Conger Goodyear, The Museum of Modern Art, Holger Cahill, Alfred Barr, Joseph Stella, Max Weber, Stuart Davis, Alexander Calder, Peggy Guggenheim and her “Art of the Century,” Sidney Janis, the International Surrealist Exhibition, Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Clyfford Still, Hans Hofmann, Mark Rothko and many many others. Illustrated with (47) black and white plates.

The jacket design traces the progression of modern art by combining a non-familiar, brightly colored, Cezanne inspired apple under Jackson Pollock’s (or is it Willem de Kooning) abstract gestural forms. “The visual statement, that seeks to express the essences of an idea, and that is based on function, fantasy, and analytic judgement, is likely to be not only unique but meaningful and memorable as well.” — Paul Rand

A nearly fine hardcover cloth with “Collection of Jaromir Stephany” stamp on the front free-endpaper. In its’ good original, toned dust jacket with small chips to the spine head and tape repair reinforcing small tears, folds and corners. A library label attached to the spine.