Product Description

The ongoing efforts of government officials and self-appointed guardians of public morality to control the content of art and public speech have exposed deep divisions in America's beliefs about artistic value and freedom of expression. Richard Bolton's Culture Wars is the first book to document these turbulent and disturbing debates in detail, in the words of the artists, legislators, lobbyists, and critics themselves.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #641258 in Books
• Published on: 1992-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 363 pages

Review
Culture Wars. . . offers a fair and exhaustive look at both sides of the issue. . . you will certainly learn the details of the issues and be prepared to carry on, no matter which side you take. -- St. Petersburg Times

Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

Instructive. . . fascinating. . . Culture Wars compiles essential documents from the NEA battle, including congressional testimony, op-ed columns, scholarly articles, and even a letter from Jesse Helms to Jerry Falwell. -- Seattle Weekly

[Culture Wars] is outstanding, not only for its insightful introduction and selections, but for its refusal to let any of us off the hook. -- ARTforum

Customer Reviews

Interesting look at the controversial aspects of art
This is possibly the most interesting and informative book I've come across that discusses the controversies surrounding the funding provided by the NEA for such artists as Mapplethorpe or Serrano. It gives equal information supporting both sides of the debate. I came across this book while writing a term paper on censorship and the arts, and have now added it to my personal bookshelf. If you're interested at all in the arts, this book will be great for you.

A comprehensive work
This book is indespensable for anyone trying to understand both sides of the NEA controversy in 1989-1990. The champions of each side are represented, and given almost equal coverage in the book. These arguments are still being waged, and each side hasn't veered from their earlier positions in this book. As the controversy in the Brooklyn Musuem illustrates, this is a relevant topic today.

A comprehensive work
This book is indespensable for anyone trying to understand both sides of the NEA controversy in 1989-1990. The champions of each side are represented, and given almost equal coverage in the book. These arguments are still being waged, and each side hasn't veered from their earlier positions in this book. As the controversy in the Brooklyn Musuem illustrates, this is a relevant topic today.