Aesthetics: A Comprehensive Anthology

Overall, this anthology leaves very little to be desired by way of an introduction to Aesthetics. I will give a brief review as another reviewer has already provided the majority of what I would like to say:Pros:+ The anthology covers many of the historical works (including some that were heavily influential but left out of other anthologies). I include works by philosophers such as Schopenhauer, whose work primarily served to influence Nietzsche, but also contributes far more than Nietzsche cares to use.+ The length of the works in this anthology is an important detail. This anthology tries to provide a sample of each of the historical works so as to translate their main ideas. Yet, works such as Art as Experience and The Critique of Judgment have slightly longer lengths -- both because their authors were more prolific and because their ideas were not proposed concisely. Anyone with experience reading Kant understands that 10 pages of his critiques may as well be 40 pages of another book. The anthology does well to ensure that the reader has enough of each author to understand the primary (and numerous secondary) points of his or her work.+ Medieval aesthetics are included among the historical section. I have enjoyed previous aesthetics anthologies (here, I am thinking of Art and Its Significance), but they have not included medieval works nor as many contemporary commentaries. The anthology presents both very well.Cons:- There is nothing by Derrida. Deconstruction was a very important shift in aesthetic and literary theory. It is a shame that the anthology left his work out. As another reviewer noted, the book leans more toward analytic philosophy than continental, so I am sure that played a role in leaving "Of Grammatology", for instance, out.- The anthology does not cover a lot about metaphysics of art. What is the difference between two numerically distinct yet qualitatively identical (to the very atom -- except for the fact that one was made by the artist and the other is a reproduction) works of art? This is a fascinating topic in aesthetics, and it is not adequately captured within this book.Overall, I would rate the work an 8.5 / 10. I would gladly recommend this anthology to anyone who wishes for an introduction to aesthetics, and I may use it in my courses on aesthetics in the future.

If you've ever wondered what makes art art, and what philosophers have to say about it (throughout history), then this is a book for you! Plato! Aristotle! Some dude from the 1700's you've never heard of but somehow 98% agree with! Aesthetics versus fine art! It's organized, thoughtful, and contains art-related excerpts from philosophical and sometimes borderline sarcastic authors (that Plato is a hoot when he writes as the endlessly sassy "Socrates")! The binding is tough, so even when I bend the pages all the way back to keep it open during class it stays strong and doesn't look bent when closed! And you can use the half-page-ish space at the beginning and end of each excerpt to take notes! There are two columns on each page - double the art fun! If you're getting this for a class, have no fear, you might actually like it, and you're getting it because you want it, then I recommend reading something and instigating an art discussion to show off your mad philosophy skills at your next luncheon! Okay, that's all. Have a lovely day.

The book was in the stated condition, brand new, but it took over 2 weeks to ship and they do not provide a tracking code. Seeing as I needed it for the start of my semester, it was frustrating to not know when the book would finally get here. If it were faster service/had a tracking code it would be a 5.

I am currently enrolled in a philosophy of art class, this book was required. I rated it a five star because, it is meeting my expectations. It is very helpful and I like how it bends even though it is a very this book. I strongly recommend this book for those who are studying philosophy of art.

Arrived timely and just as described :)

have,nt finished it yet

its a book

It is as it says, a comprehensive anthology on aesthetics. It covers the full gambit on the authorities on Aesthetics from the beginning.

This is a recommended text for my university course and contains a wealth of iconic articles on aesthetics by writers such as Tolstoy and Hegel.The physical book is too big and heavy for its binding. My copy has separated at around page 270 making reading a challenge as I have to always put the book on a flat surface for the pages to stay open. This is the most expensive of the books so far that I have needed and returning it was not an option as there was no alternative recommended.

This is a useful book, in that it has a large collection of primary resources. The format does make it quite difficult to read; the font and presentation could have been better. However, an excellent textbook for students and a decent introduction to the history of aesthetics.

Great book, terrible copy