Representing 40 years of work with modern French art and formalistic theory, these essays cover a broad spectrum of topics, from Fry's influential promotion of post-Impressionism to art education, museums, architecture, decorative art, literature and dance.

Acknowledgments Editor's Note Introduction 1: Before Formalism 2: Forming Formalism: The Post-Impressionist Exhibitions 3: Refining and Defining: The Post-Impressionist Era 4: Architecture and the Decorative Arts 5: Art and Its Institutions: Exhibition and Education 6: Literature and the Performing Arts 7: Revision and Design: The Later Essays Conclusion: Needed Words Illustration Summary Index