Description:
Explores a significant but overlooked aspect of early twentieth-century modernism, one that focuses on surface appearance rather than interiority or psychological depth. Looks at the writers Wyndham Lewis and Mina Loy, the artists Balthus and Hans Bellmer, and the fashion designer Coco Chanel.
Brief description: Jessica Burstein is Associate Professor of English at the University of Washington.
Review Quotes:
"Readers who possess a passing familiarity with these artists, their personalities, and their artistic expression--which often ran uncomfortably but purposely against orthodox modernism--will realize the challenge undertaken by this author. With 52 pages of endnotes and bibliography, the effort certainly can be considered erudite."
--W. S. Bradley Choice