About the book
During the Cold War, culture became another weapon in America’s battle against communism. Part of that effort in cultural diplomacy included a program to arrange the exhibition of hundreds of American paintings overseas. Michael L. Krenn studies the successes, failures, contradictions, and controversies that arose when the U.S. government and the American art world sought to work together to make an international art program a reality between the 1940s and the 1970s.
The Department of State, then the United States Information Agency, and eventually the Smithsonian Institution directed this effort, relying heavily on the assistance of major American art organizations, museums, curators, and artists. What the government hoped to accomplish and what the art community had in mind, however, were often at odds. Intense domestic controversies resulted, particularly when the effort involved modern or abstract expressionist art. Ultimately, the exhibition of American art overseas was one of the most controversial Cold War initiatives undertaken by the United States. Krenn’s investigation deepens our understanding of the cultural dimensions of America’s postwar diplomacy and explores how unexpected elements of the Cold War led to a redefinition of what is, and is not, “American.”
Editions of Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807829455
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469647661
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807876411
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890877192
Read an Excerpt
During the Cold War, culture became another weapon in America’s battle against communism. Part of that effort in cultural diplomacy included a program to arrange the exhibition of hundreds of American paintings overseas. Michael L. Krenn studies the successes, failures, contradictions, and controversies that arose when the U.S. government and the American art world sought to work together to make an international art program a reality between the 1940s and the 1970s.
The Department of State, then the United States Information Agency, and eventually the Smithsonian Institution directed this effort, relying heavily on the assistance of major American art organizations, museums, curators, and artists. What the government hoped to accomplish and what the art community had in mind, however, were often at odds. Intense domestic controversies resulted, particularly when the effort involved modern or abstract expressionist art. Ultimately, the exhibition of American art overseas was one of the most controversial Cold War initiatives undertaken by the United States. Krenn’s investigation deepens our understanding of the cultural dimensions of America’s postwar diplomacy and explores how unexpected elements of the Cold War led to a redefinition of what is, and is not, “American.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit about?
During the Cold War, culture became another weapon in America’s battle against communism. Part of that effort in cultural diplomacy included a program to arrange the exhibition of hundreds of American paintings overseas. Michael L. Krenn studies the successes, failures, contradictions, and controversies that arose when the U.S. government and the American art world sought to work together to make an international art program a reality between the 1940s and the 1970s.
The Department of State, then the United States Information Agency, and eventually the Smithsonian Institution directed this effort, relying heavily on the assistance of major American art organizations, museums, curators, and artists. What the government hoped to accomplish and what the art community had in mind, however, were often at odds. Intense domestic controversies resulted, particularly when the effort involved modern or abstract expressionist art. Ultimately, the exhibition of American art overseas was one of the most controversial Cold War initiatives undertaken by the United States. Krenn’s investigation deepens our understanding of the cultural dimensions of America’s postwar diplomacy and explores how unexpected elements of the Cold War led to a redefinition of what is, and is not, “American.”
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > International relations > Diplomacy
Where can I read a sample of Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807829455
How long is Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit and how many pages does it have?
Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit has 312 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit?
Michael L. Krenn
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807829455) and paperback(ISBN 9781469647661) and ebook(ISBN 9780807876411) and pdf(ISBN 9798890877192)
Where can I buy Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit from below
Where can I buy Fall-Out Shelters for the Human Spirit?