Anne Middleton Wagner's book investigates the inherent dividedness within American art produced since 1955, exploring its complex relationship with politics and social life. Wagner, a noted art historian, analyzes key post-World War II artists such as Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Maya Lin, Bruce Nauman, and Agnes Martin. She argues that the art of the U.S. empire is characterized by a deep internal conflict, where artists engage with American symbols in enigmatic ways, evoking both exuberance and nightmares. The book examines the tension between art's engagement with national identity and consumerism, and the search for meaningful models of expression and critique.

This book is regarded as a significant contribution to the study of American art history, offering a challenging re-evaluation of key artists and movements since the mid-20th century. Critics have noted Wagner's insightful analysis of the political and social undercurrents in post-war American art, particularly her argument about the inherent dividedness in works engaging with national symbols. The book is recognized for its intellectual rigor and its ability to connect artistic production to broader cultural and historical contexts. It prompts readers to reconsider the very nature of artistic expression within the framework of American identity and empire.