A landmark survey of twentieth-century art movements, from Cubism and Expressionism through Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art—a scholarly and readable foundation text.
This 1988 third printing of Rosemary Lambert's The Twentieth Century is a cornerstone volume in the prestigious Cambridge Introduction to the History of Art series. Designed for serious students and art history enthusiasts, it provides a lucid, comprehensive narrative of the seismic aesthetic shifts that defined the modern era, tracing the radical break with nineteenth-century tradition through the emergence of the avant-garde and beyond.
Lambert meticulously maps the intellectual and visual landscape, covering seminal movements including Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, the Vienna Secession, De Stijl, Dada, Social Realism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. Throughout, she examines the work and influence of canonical figures—from Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural innovations and the Bauhaus school's revolutionary design philosophy to Picasso, Matisse, and the conceptual pioneers who reshaped visual culture. The volume concludes with thoughtful guidance on interpreting contemporary art, making it an enduring resource for both classroom and personal study.
The book is enriched by integrated black-and-white illustrations of key artworks, a detailed glossary of critical art-historical terms, and biographical notes on major artists. Printed in Hong Kong by Cambridge University Press, it represents authoritative educational publishing at its finest.
Key Features
Authoritative Survey
Comprehensive coverage of all major twentieth-century movements: Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, Expressionism, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art and more.
Scholar's Resource
Complete with integrated black-and-white illustrations, detailed glossary of art-historical terminology, and biographical notes on major artists.
Series Authority
Part of Cambridge University Press's respected Cambridge Introduction to the History of Art series, trusted in universities and libraries worldwide.
Classic Edition
Third printing (1988)—a well-established revision, readily cited in academic bibliography and widely held by research institutions.
Book Details
| Author | Rosemary Lambert |
|---|---|
| Title | The Twentieth Century |
| Series | Cambridge Introduction to the History of Art |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Format | Paperback |
| Publication Year | 1988 (Third Printing) |
| ISBN-10 | 0-521-30542-6 |
| Manufactured | Hong Kong |
| Language | English |
| Illustrations | Black-and-White Throughout |
The Photographs
Every item is photographed individually in natural light. The gallery shows the exact copy for sale—front cover and spine detail, back cover, page edges, and binding integrity. Please refer to the full photo set to assess the visual condition, cover design, and wear pattern before purchasing.
Condition Report
Grade: Good Pre-Owned
This pre-owned softcover shows honest shelf wear consistent with age and careful use. The front and back covers display noticeable surface rubbing, light surface marks, and slight corner curling typical of a well-read reference text. The spine remains secure with no cracking. The binding is firm throughout. Interior pages are entirely clean—free from any writing, highlighting, annotations, loose pages, or structural defects—making this an excellent reading and research copy.