This volume chronicles the development and scope of American Modernism as represented in the Art Institute of Chicago's collection. It examines over 175 significant paintings, sculptures, decorative art objects, and works on paper created in North America between World War I and 1955, reflecting key movements such as early modernism, Social Realism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. The book features iconic works by artists like Hopper, Wood, O'Keeffe, and Pollock, alongside sculptures by Calder and Noguchi, and decorative arts by the Eameses and Frank Lloyd Wright. An introduction details the formation of this collection by notable curators, collectors, and patrons.

This comprehensive catalog serves as the first publication dedicated to the Art Institute's significant collection of American Modernism. The inclusion of iconic works and a wide array of artistic movements positions it as a valuable resource for understanding this pivotal period in American art. The accessible texts and full-color reproductions make it suitable for both art historians and general enthusiasts. The detailed introduction offers insight into the curatorial and patronage history that shaped the collection.