Redressing the neglect of World War I memorials in art history scholarship, this volume shows why sculptures of 'doughboys' (US soldiers during World War I) were in such demand during the 1920s, and how their functions and meanings have evolved. Jennifer Wingate recovers and interprets the circumstances of the doughboy sculptures' creation, and offers a new perspective on the complex culture of interwar America and on present-day commemorative practices.

Jennifer Wingate is Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at St. Francis College, USA.

Contents: Introduction; Fighting and vigilant doughboys; Art critics mobilize; Challenging the prevailing triumphant ideal; In pursuit of 'art' and anti-militarism: forfeiting the doughboy; Conclusion: living histories; Bibliography; Index.