Cultural Offensive

In this fascinating cultural and social history covering the period from 1945 up to the 1990s, author John A. Walker offers a lucid and accessible account of America's first Cold War cultural offensive, with a special emphasis on the particularly vibrant period of the 1950s and 60s. Many of the painters and sculptors discussed -- such as Peter Blake, David Hockney, Richard Hamilton, Bridget Riley, Anthony Caro, Eduardo Paolozzi and R.B. Kitaj -- are now internationally renowned. Well illustrated and providing a fresh angle on the work of many leading British and American artists, this is an important and perceptive analysis of cultural imperialism.

John A. Walker is Reader in Art and Design History at Middlesex University.