This work investigates the evolution and development of sculptural practice in the United States from its colonial origins through the early twentieth century. Lorado Taft, a prominent sculptor and educator, utilizes his deep professional expertise to document the progression of American artistic identity. He provides a comprehensive historical framework that connects the technical shifts in medium and style to the broader cultural maturation of the nation. The text serves as a foundational survey of the individuals and movements that defined the American sculptural landscape.

This text is regarded as a seminal, albeit dated, primary resource for understanding the early canon of American sculpture. Its scholarly density and historical perspective provide a valuable window into the aesthetic values of the era in which it was written.