The question of modernism and whether it applies to English art is the topic of this collection of essays, first presented at the July 1997 conference at the U. of York. The writers consider
various issues, many concerning the artist's place in society and in relation to other artists, both in England and abroad. The artists considered include James McNeill Whistler, John Byam
Liston Shaw, Gwen John, Frederic Leighton, and John Everett Millais. Other papers consider the history of the National Portrait Gallery, and constructing a Jewish identity in England. The
contributors are art historians in the UK and the US. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
