Overview
The first reference of its kind surveys the full breadth of critical thought on art, culture, and society—from classical philosophy to contemporary critical theory. Featuring 600 original articles by distinguished scholars from many fields and countries, it is a comprehensive survey of major concepts, thinkers, and debates about the meaning, uses, and value of all the arts—from painting and sculpture to literature, music, theater, dance, television, film, and popular culture. Of special interest are in-depth surveys of Western aesthetics and broad coverage of non-Western traditions and theories of art. The work includes cross references, bibliographies, and an index.
"Are things ugly or are they just not beautiful? The answer to this and many other questions can be found in this encyclopedia, the first large-scale comprehensive English-language reference on aesthetics and destined to be a classic in the field. Drawing from experts in the areas of philosophy, art, history, psychology, feminist theory, legal theory, and many more, the encyclopedia presents 600 signed essays alphabetically arranged. Most entries include a headnote clarifying the topic. Entries range from the philosophical essay on ugliness, to the more reality-based article on the impact of AIDS on the arts. Comprehensive coverage includes key figures, concepts, periods, theories, and movements in the history of aesthetics."--"Outstanding Reference Sources: the 1999 Selection of New Titles", American Libraries, May 1999. Comp. by the Reference Sources Committee, RUSA, ALA.
Synopsis
The first reference of its kind surveys the full breadth of critical thought on art, culture, and society—from classical philosophy to contemporary critical theory. Featuring 600 original articles by distinguished scholars from many fields and countries, it is a comprehensive survey of major concepts, thinkers, and debates about the meaning, uses, and value of all the arts—from painting and sculpture to literature, music, theater, dance, television, film, and popular culture. Of special interest are in-depth surveys of Western aesthetics and broad coverage of non-Western traditions and theories of art. The work includes cross references, bibliographies, and an index.
Library Journal
This is the first comprehensive reference source available in an area that concerns several academic disciplines--most especially philosophy but also literary theory, sociology, law, art history, and others--and cultural traditions. The subjects of the topical essays range from people (Aristotle, Kant, Derrida, Santayana) to concepts (Byzantine aesthetics, Chinese aesthetics) to activities (children's art, politics). Major entries are considered in three to five focused essays (with Kant warranting nine), each written by a different authority and each with its own cross references and bibliography. Headnotes at such major entries provide quick access to the section a researcher may seek. The index spans nearly 70 pages, with references indicating both volume and page, and internal cross references further ease the researcher's path. This is both authoritative and accessible, providing scholars and students, practicing artists, and social scientists with an illuminating guide to historical and contemporary scholarship.--Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley P.L., CA
Editorials
Library Journal
This is the first comprehensive reference source available in an area that concerns several academic disciplines--most especially philosophy but also literary theory, sociology, law, art history, and others--and cultural traditions. The subjects of the topical essays range from people (Aristotle, Kant, Derrida, Santayana) to concepts (Byzantine aesthetics, Chinese aesthetics) to activities (children's art, politics). Major entries are considered in three to five focused essays (with Kant warranting nine), each written by a different authority and each with its own cross references and bibliography. Headnotes at such major entries provide quick access to the section a researcher may seek. The index spans nearly 70 pages, with references indicating both volume and page, and internal cross references further ease the researcher's path. This is both authoritative and accessible, providing scholars and students, practicing artists, and social scientists with an illuminating guide to historical and contemporary scholarship.--Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley P.L., CAG. A. Marco
A subject of such scope deserves-and finally has-its own encyclopedia. This outstanding work offers depth and breadth, exploring thoroughly the core issues of aesthetics and offering informative overviews of related fields. . . . A unique work of splendid scholarship, readable and reliable, highly recommended for the collection of any library serving a liberal arts program, undergraduate or graduate level. -- (G.A. Marco, formerly, Rosary College, CHOICE)Kendall L. Walton
[A] gold mine...one can learn about and confront intriguing opinions concerning the French Entitlement notion of sensibilité, the history of parody, copywright law, the art market, the sociology of museums, photographic technologies and digital media, the National Endowment for the Arts, and much—but not everything—in between.—Times Literary Supplement