Peter Schjeldahl has been described as Americas most influential writer on art. Distinguished critic at the legendary "NewYorker" magazine since 1998, he tackles a myriad of subjects with wit, poetry and perpicacity, each time probing and questioning the art before him while revelling in the power and beauty of language. This volume brings together for the first time 75 of Schjeldahls pieces for "The NewYorker". Covering subjects drawn from a broad canvas of the history of art, these writings not only seek out the essence of the individual artist or work under discussion, they also never lose sight of the bigger picture: what is beauty; what does it mean to be American; and, what can the art we produce and admire tell us about ourselves. This collection will appeal to anyone interested in art, art criticism and the lives of artists, and those involved in their work and the world they inhabit.