Book excerpt: Visual Arts in the Twentieth Century offers an exciting new account of the century of art so affected by Modernism. A uniquely structured view of the period and the inclusion of often-overlooked material come together to create a survey that is thorough, insightful, and fresh. Painting, sculpture, photography, the graphic arts, and architecture are treated in decade-by-decade chapters, allowing for an inclusive view of coexisting innovations and trends. Information on historical, social, and intellectual movements and events is incorporated within the text, giving insight into the cultural environment that stimulated, surrounded, and supported individual acts of creativity. The work of artists from historically underrepresented regions of the world is also included, providing new insight into the global world of art. Edward Lucie-Smith has also given us the first book of its kind that emphasizes photography - an art form both accessible and cutting-edge. In addition, the author re-evaluates Modernism by examining the diverse and important roles women have played in this still-influential movement. Finally, more than twenty "Key Work" analyses appear throughout the book. Critical and interpretive, these concise examinations concentrate on individual works of art and provide models by which other works may be approached and evaluated - a valuable touchstone for those who want to enjoy and understand modern art on their own.