Visual Shock: A History of Art Controversies in American Culture

In this lively narrative, award-winning author Michael Kammen presents a fascinating analysis of cutting-edge art and artists and their unique ability to both delight and provoke us. He illuminates America's obsession with public memorials and the changing role of art and museums in our society. From Thomas Eakins's 1875 masterpiece The Gross Clinic, (considered "too big, bold, and gory" when first exhibited) to the bitter disputes about Maya Lin's Vietnam War Memorial, this is an eye-opening account of American art and the battles and controversies that it has ignited.

Author: Michael Kammen
Publisher: Vintage
Published: 11/06/2007
Pages: 480
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.09lbs
Size: 8.05h x 5.24w x 1.02d
ISBN: 9781400034642

Review Citation(s):
New York Times Book Review 11/25/2007 pg. 32

About the Author
Michael Kammen was born in Rochester in 1936. He took his BA at George Washington University and his PhD at Harvard. He is Newton C. Farr Professor of American History and Culture at Cornell University, where he has taught since 1965. A past President of the Organization of American Historians, he is the author or editor of numerous works and has lectured throughout the world. His People of Paradox was a Pulitzer Prize winner.