The ten years leading up to the First World War were the most exciting, frenzied and revolutionary in the history of art. They were the crucible of Modernism, when Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism and Abstract Art all burst forth. Simultaneously the Old Master market boomed, and art itself was politically weaponised in advance of approaching war.What was the conventional art against which Modernism was rebelling? Why did avant-garde artists become so obsessed with themselves? What persuaded a few bold collectors to buy difficult modern art? And why did others pay so much money for Old Masters?Art expert Philip Hook brings to bear a unique perspective on the art of a unique and extreme decade. Review Erudite and amusing ... unfailingly enjoyable ... rich in anecdote and candid in opinion ... an invigorating introduction to the subject -- Rupert Christiansen ― SpectatorThis is a spirited history told with the rush and hustle of a true enthusiast ... Hook pulls his material together with verve and élan ― Times About the Author Philip Hook is a Board member and senior director of Impressionist & Modern art at Sotheby's in London. He previously worked at Christie's in the 19th Century Paintings Department. He has appeared regularly on Antiques Roadshow and is the author of five novels and many books on the art world, including Breakfast at Sotheby's (2013) which was a book of the year in the Sunday Times, Spectator, Financial Times, Guardian and Mail on Sunday.
