The book challenges conventional understandings of Modernism by examining its internal disputes and evolving definitions. Jonathan M. Harris, an art historian, investigates the period's artistic and intellectual conflicts, drawing on a wide range of primary sources and critical analyses. The work presents a nuanced argument that Modernism was not a monolithic movement but a site of ongoing debate and redefinition. Harris explores how these internal disagreements shaped the movement's trajectory and its eventual legacy.

The book is recognized for its scholarly rigor and its contribution to the understanding of Modernism. Scholars have noted its detailed analysis and its ability to present complex arguments in an accessible manner. The work is considered a valuable resource for students and academics interested in the period's artistic and intellectual history. It offers a fresh perspective on the internal debates that characterized Modernism, moving beyond a singular, unified definition.