Designed to help students and interested general readers to interpret the abstract expressionist paintings of Jackson Pollock, this survey of Pollock's life and art provides insight into the origins and meanings of individual works and analyzes the influences upon Pollock. Also included are discussions of the many issues raised by Pollock's work above and beyond his intentions, and how they intersected with the work of his contemporaries as well as other intellectual currents of the time.

Part One: Meaning Chapter 1: Formative Work Chapter 2: Surrealism Chapter 3: The Poured Paintings Chapter 4: The Black Pourings and After Part Two: Significance Chapter 5: Pollock and Primitivism Chapter 6: Pollock and Abstract Expressionism Chapter 7: Pollock's Influence Conclusion