Art Nouveau A & I

At the turn of the nineteenth century, Art Nouveau was both Europe and America`s boldest and most fashionable style. It could be seen in the sinuous ironwork of the new Paris Metro stations, the curving asymmetry of Lalique`s jewellery and Tiffany`s Japanese-inspired glassware. Art Nouveau brought a new decorative language to furniture, jewellery and graphic arts, as well as architecture, sculpture and painting. Known by a variety of names Jugendstil in Germany, Secession style in Austria, the Modernista movement in Catalonia, it was a truly international new art for a new age. This is the first book to examine Art Nouveau worldwide in the context of the issues of the age, from fin-de-siecle anxieties about the pressures of modern life to nationalism, spiritualism, the emancipation of women and the heroic cult of youth.The Art and Ideas series offers introductory books on all aspects of the history of art. Each book is written by an outstanding expert in the field, in an accessible and lively style. Completely up-to-date and comprehensive, these books are essential reading for students and rewarding for anyone curious about art. Books in the Art and Ideas series contain c.150-200 full colour and 50 black and white illustrations, more than any comparable series. They are enjoyable to read with fully integrated text and illustrations throughout, and are authoritatively and stimulatingly written by the leading experts in their fields. They include special features such as glossaries, biographies and comparative chronologies. The series is part of a comprehensive publishing programme to produce the definitive overview of world art at excellent value.A lucid and concise overview well organized and well written. (Times Literary Supplement)