American Modern

Hardback coffee table book featuring works of modern design from 1925-1940. By J. Stewart Johnson, published in 2000. 192 pages.

"In America we assumed our place as a nation practically at the time of the industrial revolution. We had no artistic tradition except those of the mother countries where the old order was shortly to turn into the new. Furthermore, the material needs of life absorbed all the energies of our people. As we expanded and became prosperous the genius of leadership was absorbed in the development of our natural resources, the expansion of our railroads, the opening of our mines, the felling of our forests, the building of factories and the organization of our industries. Naturally, under such conditions, we looked to the old world for our artistic leadership."