"This book examines, in an accessible and comprehensible way, how this revolution came about, not only by describing and analysing the works of art which the Impressionists produced, but by placing the movement clearly within its historical and social context. There is an emphasis on the extent to which it concerned itself not only with nature but also with depicting the realities of everyday life in urban industrial society, in a manner which had never been attempted before.".

"With over 400 illustrations, this volume presents the reader not only with the familiar masterpieces of the movement, but with many less well-known."--BOOK JACKET.