Modernism: The Basics provides an accessible overview of the study of modernism in its global dimensions. Examining the key concepts, history and varied forms of the field, it guides the reader through the major approaches, outlining key debates, to answer such questions as:

• What is modernism?
• How did modernism begin?
• Has modernism developed differently in different media?
• How is it related to postmodernism and postcolonialism?
• How have politics, urbanization and new technologies affected modernism?

With engaging examples from art, literature and historical documents, each chapter provides suggestions for further reading, histories of relevant movements and clear definitions of key terminology, making this an essential guide for anyone approaching the study of modernism for the first time.