Expressionism

A strikingly illustrated survey of the various phases of Expressionism, from its beginnings in 1905 to its most recent formulation in the art of the 1970s. Examining Expressionist art for the first time in the context of the history of philosophy and social ideas, Gordon shows how this art embodies the vanguard aesthetic of modern art and demonstrates in detail its relationship to the cultural traditions of its time.

"This ambitious work will almost certainly become one of the standard works, if not the standard work, on Expressionism."—Virginia Quarterly Review

"A major contribution to the scholarship of German Expressionism."—Choice

"There is nothing comparable to this book. Gordon was a first-rate scholar who was imaginative, extraordinarily diligent, and adventurous. His learned and wise book is one that is greatly needed in art history and that students of modern culture in general will find very helpful."—Victor H. Miesel, University of Michigan

"An excellent source of basic information about Expressionism as well as an in-depth analysis of the movement. Gordon traces its development to the present day and brings a wide range of ideas to bear on it. The book is a brilliant study of a major, long-lived and still vital movement, as Gordon demonstrates."—Donald Kuspit, State University of New York, Stony Brook

Donald E. Gordon was professor of fine arts at the University of Pittsburgh before his death in 1984.