Thomas Crow's 'The Long March of Pop' Redefines Pop Art as Century-Spanning American Cultural Movement

In his 2015 publication, 'The Long March of Pop: Art, Music and Design 1930–1995,' American art historian Thomas Crow redefines Pop art as a continuous movement spanning from the 1930s to 1995. He identifies its roots in the integration of American folk culture into institutions such as MoMA. The book discusses notable figures like Billy Al Bengston, Milton Glaser, and Rick Griffin, while also exploring Roy Lichtenstein's artistic journey and placing Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist in the context of the 1960s creative upheaval. Additionally, it links Pop art to the surf culture of Los Angeles and the Independent Group in London, analyzing comics and rock album artwork. Crow employs thematic chapters to uncover earlier folk art influences. Released by ArtReview in April 2015, this work builds upon Crow's earlier book, 'Modern Art and the Common Culture' (1998).