Art historian David Joselit’s book focuses on art in the United States from the second half of the 20th century to the early 21st century—a period when American artists rose to global prominence and pioneered new directions in painting (Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art), sculpture (Minimalism), performance art, installation, and other media. The author presents a historical overview of this era, selecting and organizing diverse material around a central theme: how artists reimagined the experience of the private and the public within the new social conditions shaped by consumer culture. Detailed, informative, and superbly illustrated, the text serves as both an introduction to the art of the postmodern era and a valuable reference and educational resource.