Highly text heavy, educational and interesting book on modern art ranging from the late 19th century through the beginning of the early 20th century.

The chronological timeline is straightforward and helpful, and Philip Hook is clearly an incredibly knowledgeable voice in the modern art world.

The list of modern art photos shown in the book along with detailed references are an verifiable wealth of knowledge.

This book would be fantastic for anyone with a special interest in modern Art, collectors who want to know a more thorough backstory on an artist or anyone studying to be an art historian in a college course.

I will be honest. I read the introduction and skimmed the rest. This is a little too scholarly for me. Modernist work, generally in the decade pre-WWII is one of my favorite periods. I love the colors, freedom of composition, and flow. My favorite part of the book are the beautiful illustrations where realist and modernist paintings from the same year are side-by-side. Some of my favorite artists are early Picasso, Klimt, Kandinsky, Matisse, and Gauguin; and of course the Impressionists of the same period.