In this landmark work, Jed Perl captures the excitement of a generation of legendary artistsJackson Pollack, Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, and Ellsworth Kelly among themwho came to New York, mingled in its lofts and bars, and revolutionized American art. In a continuously arresting narrative, Perl also portrays such less well known figures as the galvanic teacher Hans Hofmann, the lyric expressionist Joan Mitchell, and the adventuresome realist Fairfield Porter, as well the writers, critics, and patrons who rounded out the artistsworld. Brilliantly describing the intellectual crosscurrents of the time as well as the genius of dozens of artists, New Art City is indispensable for lovers of modern art and culture.From the Trade Paperback edition.