This catalogue accompanies "the first exhibition to explore the [guitar's] symbolism in American art from the early nineteenth century to the present day. Featuring approximately 130 works of art and 35 musical instruments, the exhibition demonstrates that guitars figure prominently in the visual stories Americans tell themselves about themselves: their histories, identities, and aspirations. The ... catalogue positions the guitar within a nexus of art, music, literature, and cultural histories"--Publisher's website.