David Anfam's Abstract Expressionism is as good an introduction to 20th century American art as you'll find anywhere. Whether you're a novice or an expert (I'm sort of inbetween) I think you're bound to find this book indispensable. Despite its concise length Abstract Expressionism manages to cover the subject in depth as well as breadth. Besides offering sharp insights into the classic work of Pollock, Newman, de Kooning etc more neglected artists, such as Lee Krasner and the photographer Aaron Siskind, are brought into the fold. The description of the pre-war origins of the New York School makes fascinating reading and helps you appreciate the high-point of Abstract Expressonism. There's not a single superfluous sentence in the book. That's not surpising as Anfam really knows his subject - it turns out he's also the author of the definitive work on Rothko, the brillliant Rothko Catalogue Raisonée. This book has me itching to get into the gallery and see the work - and for an art book you can't say better than that. It's just a shame it's a 3,000 mile trip from London to MoMA - tate modern just won't do!
