Compass & Clock: Defining Moments in American Culture 1800, 1850, 1900

Bound in the publisher's original cloth with the spine stamped in silver.

Noted art historian Wilmerding has written a fascinating study of American culture by focusing on three pivotal periods--the beginning of the 19th century, the century's midpoint, and its close in 1900. Reviving the notion (less than fashionable in recent years) that there are such things as pinpointable historical turning points, Wilmerding takes these three moments as launch points for his engrossing and cross-disciplinary look at art, literature, architecture, and music. Weaving together commentary on artists, writers, and others, he both defines each moment and shows how it led to the next point in the century. Lavishly illustrated with examples of the art works discussed, as well as portraits of the writers, this volume is recommended for larger libraries with art or American culture collections.
-Martin R. Kalfatovic, Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, DC
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