In Search of an Arab Modernity is an essential work in the art history of Northern Africa and Western Asia. Written by Silvia Naef and published 25 years ago in French by Slatkine (Geneva) -and out of print since-, it seems now important to reissue this major reflection on the artistic trends of the Arab world in the 20th century, and which is part of the will and necessity to decolonise knowledge.

By re-editing and expanding the original version of the text with updated and coloured iconography, Zamân Books wishes to circulate these fundamental elements of a history of Arab modernities, which are still as relevant as ever; this is why it appears more than necessary to both re-edit and translate (French/English) this work, so that it can be read and widely distributed.