The Short Story of Contemporary Art by Susie Hodge

Ever stood in front of a contemporary artwork and thought, “What am I looking at, and why does it matter?” You’re not alone. And bestselling art historian Susie Hodge is here to help.

The Short Story of Contemporary Art is a wonderfully accessible pocket guide that unlocks the how, why, and when of the art shaping our world today. It’s the kind of book you can tuck into your tote on the way to a gallery, or curl up with on a foggy afternoon by the cove.

Hodge guides you through 40 key works, from Barbara Hepworth’s iconic sculptures to Keith Haring’s electric street art and Marina Abramović’s boundary-pushing performance pieces. Each piece becomes a doorway into the bigger movements, themes, and techniques that define contemporary art.

What makes this little book such a gem:

• Richly illustrated, with crisp full-color reproductions
• Clear, jargon-free explanations of complex ideas
• Smart cross-references that connect artists, eras, and styles
• A compact, giftable format that’s perfect for travel or browsing

Part of the much-loved Short Story of… series by Susie Hodge, whose accessible approach has made art history a joy for countless readers, this guide is ideal for curious beginners, seasoned museum-goers, and anyone who’s ever wanted to feel a little more fluent in the language of modern art.

Concise. Beautifully designed. Genuinely illuminating. A small book with a big perspective, waiting on our shelf for you to discover.

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