Reviews (2)

Couldn't wait to read it!
I'm a big fan of Alain de Botton's writing, so when I saw that his newest book, "The Architecture of Happiness" would not be released in the US until October 2006, I ordered it directly from Amazon.uk. I read it in two or three days and was not disappointed. Botton has a great way of connecting the writings and thoughts of the great minds of world civilization to everyday human experiences. In this case, to the kinds of buildings (public and private) we build or aspire to build, or conversely, tolerate and settle for. The book is amply illustrated. As nice as these photographs and illustrations are, Botton's writing is so precise and illustrative in its own right that the illustrations are not always necessary.
Erudite, colorful, delightful!
[Notabene: this is a review of the Dutch translation of this book.] I have read only one book by Alain de Botton so far, namely his eminently readable but highly imaginative and evocative 'The Art of Travel'. I was so enamoured by that particular book, that I highly anticipated his 'The Architecture of Happiness', and bought it without any doubts as what to expect (and so should anyone else who loved his 'The Art of Travel, I believe ;-)
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Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Architecture    3. Architecture and society    4. Criticism    5. General    6. Psychological aspects    7. Architecture / Criticism   

Reviews (3)

Pretty good book
I have taught a course on the Humanities using this book, and found it mostly spot on in its specific contents.How to present all of the Humanities using one paperback?But - with just a few exceptions - this presents a good first look and useful rules of thumb in approaching the various disciplines.In areas that are underserved, such as Landscape Art, it actually fills a void.I recommend it and will use it again.

Informative
I used this book for my introduction to fine arts class and thought it was very good. Easy to understand and follow, and gave good information straight out without haveing to search for defintions or other stuff.

If it were possible....
If it were possible to describe this book in stars it would be 0 stars.Here are just a few of the problems found within the text.1) Writing is boring.2) Some of the pictures are repeated in the black & white sections.3) The usage of webpages instead of having illustrations & pictures makes the text boring.4) No companion website for the web addresses noted.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Arts    5. Conceptual    6. Criticism    7. History - General    8. Philosophy    9. Art / General    10. The Arts: General Issues   

Reviews (1)

Terrific book!
I found this book to do just what I had hoped. It's like a syllabus from a very smart, highly organized professor, who fleshes out the subjects just enough, and lets you know where exactly to look for more. It's concise, intelligent, and informative, and it saved me a lot of time in working out an outline on the subject (I'm an art professor myself). Cynthia Freeland -- thank you! What clarity! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Aesthetics    5. Theory of art   

Reviews (2)

An essential read, VERY CONTEMPORARY
Relational Aesthetics is an essential read for all artists working today. In very concise and clear (as clear as theory can be) language, Bourriaud lays out the stakes for a new model of art-- one that holds inter-human exchange as a priority in an aesthetic landscape simultaneously overrun by aged paradigms and the implementation of technology for technology's sake. Bourriaud illustrates his critical points by frequently citing and describing contemporary works which successfully contribute to the future trajectory of art.
Good Topic withPoor Translation
I am just beginning my venture into critical discussion of the Arts and reading Relational Aesthetics sparked my interest in art's effect of linkageing and relating. The author explores and gives names of many artists working in the 90's that used human interaction as their medium.
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Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (3)

Borrowed spiritual wisdom
Alexander's Pattern Language series was/is a great accomplishment. It made the mysteries of good architectural design accessible to everyone. It attempted to liberate home- and town-building from the arrogant priesthood of professional architects and exposed the bankrupt values behind so much of contemporary building. It offered a deeply human alternative much more in tune with the way we really live.
wisdom through patience
I'm not an architect, though I do paint a bit and presume to teach. A friend from Ohio undertook one of Alexander's architectural courses, 20 years ago, and posted me notes on Alexander's colour theory. I've used them ever since. But the articulation of this guru's understanding of the experience world & how we process it & make art in and for it, has become keener, more subtle & concise over the years. This is a very, very profound teaching without any messianic overdrive. Indeed, its the patience and humility of Alexander's process of discovering essential rules & roles for making art, that are most profound and the enduring feature of his presentation. And the book's own look exemplifies his quest for the beautiful.I'm not so taken with the reproductions of his own painting, however. I can't quibble with the twentieth century masters he reproduces as evidence for enduring beauty. A fabulous book!

A Profoundly Eloquent Glimpse of Life's Depth...
*** Original review: May 20, 2004 ***
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Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Architecture    3. Architecture and philosophy    4. Color (Philosophy)    5. Cosmology    6. General    7. Planning    8. Architecture / General    9. Topics in philosophy   

Reviews (8)

Forget What's In It... Where Is It?
In 1998 Pierre Bourdieu's *Distinction* was voted by members of the International Sociological Association to be the sixth most important sociological treatise of the 20th century: but if Bourdieu's "theodicy" for the cultural market of the hexagonal 70s maintains its appeal today we have plenty of reasons.Presented with a country in stasis and a market full of options, Bourdieu took the liberty of declaring the case for economic determinism airtight: in his theory of social fields (presented to the reader in a variety of ways) we are given "templates" for freedom of economic choice which maintain their plausibility *in the breach*. A Must Read!
This is a fantastic explication of how social class prearranges our tastes and interests.I disagree with the reader who thinks that it is not applicable to American society--to the contrary.It is true that American culture is not so obviously stratified in the exact same ways as French culture (of the 1960s, I would add, when Bourdieu collected his data).Also, in American culture there is less of a tendency to exploit the social markers (dress, etc.) that one might find in Europe, and it's hip nowadays for the middle-class to adopt the style and dress of the street (e.g., hip-hop); nevertheless, I'd say that this is a veneer of street-cred, and that if you were to look at how the middle-class actually lives compares to those where hip-hop originated, you'd find some pretty significant differences. read it for the diagrams
Distinction is the most cited book from Bourdieu, one of France's most prolific scholars.The book tends to assume that its readers are familiar with his key terms, developed mostly in _Outline of a Theory of Practice_ and _Logic of Practice_.Although it is the most cited, beginning readers of Bourdieu should probably start with _Partical Reason_ to get a handle on these concepts before getting involved in this larger tome. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Aesthetics, French    3. Anthropology - Cultural    4. Civilization    5. Culture    6. Esthetics    7. France    8. Social Science    9. Social classes    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. Sociology - Social Theory    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. Sociology, Social Studies   

Editorial Review

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it also has a lot to do with the beholder's cultural standards. In Read more

Reviews (7)

A delightful catalog and tease
This wonderful collection of art work History of Beauty edited by Umberto Eco attempts to answer the questions: What is beauty? What is art? What is taste and fashion? and Is beauty something to be observed coolly and rationally or is it something dangerously involving? With literally hundreds of reproductions of fine art works speaking to these questions, this book would be a joy even without the words. But of course the words tell the deeper story and attempt to give at least partial answers - sometimes directly, more often indirectly.
The beauty is easy to define: It's all what it desperates us!
This clever statement of Paul Valery works out as magnificent frame to remark this passionate and fabulous journey through the times. Umberto Eco is withtout any shadow of doubt, a true Renaissance man. His erudition becomes him a stalker, a wise explorer of the most significative aspects about the beauty in all orders. Of course, this ambitious and succesful project includes a whole vision since the initial premise of The Greeks around this concept, the Middle Age, Renaissance until our days.
Rich source of color illustrations
In the least this book is a rich source of color illustrations from a surprising array of time periods and collections. I found it wonderful just to enjoy this aspect of the book. The illustrations have a point as well and Eco remains a great writer in my mind with this achievment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. History    5. History - General    6. History and criticism    7. Literature    8. Art / History / General   

Reviews (15)

The Complaints of a Crotchety Old Man
I took a class on Japanese culture last semester, and this was one of our texts.While Tanizaki's views provide an interesting perspective, this whole essay is really just an old man talking about how traditional Japanese aesthetics are good and Western-influenced aesthetics are not.He repeatedly insults and dismisses Western ideas of beauty simply because they are Western.He may well be right, at the very least in certain aspects, by saying that the Japanese ideals of beauty are best, but his refusal to give a second thought to Western ideals makes his point moot.It's the basic fallacy of origin.

"The quality that we call beauty ... must always grow from the realities of life."
In this classic 1933 essay, novelist Jun'ichiro Tanizaki explores the idea of shadows as a key note of Japanese aesthetics. Shadows are a natural function of traditional Japanese architecture - large rooms with broad eaves to keep rain and snow away from paper walls naturally create richly dark and quiet interiors, where shadows seem to have a presence all of their own. Tanizaki extends this idea, following the shadows from temple toilets to the darkness of lacquered tableware, into the folds of women's traditional clothing, and onto the Japanese stage. Some of his notions are purely fanciful - that gold was only valued by the ancients for the way it reflected candlelight; that the Japanese have an implicit distaste for their own skin given the way the light reveals its imperfect whiteness - while he is spot-on when it comes to articulating the beauty of No actors, and the way candlelight changes the quality of a restaurant meal. The essay's meandering structure might surprise those more accustomed to a rigorous argument, but as Thomas J. Harper notes in his insightful afterword, it invokes the Japanese artistic tradition of following the line wherever it leads. Along the way, Tanizaki makes a none too subtle critique of Western incursion into Japanese life. He mourns the displacement of candlelight by neon, the patina of a well-used bowl being reinterpreted as 'filth', and the white faces of Kabuki made monstrous by American spotlights. Tanizaki's essential contribution with this enduring piece is to remind us of something which, in the West, is so often forgotten: the quality of the materials and light from which a space is constructed - for light really is a tangible architectural element - will dictate on the subtle level the quality of human experience possible in that space. Modern life is too brilliantly lit, which might be why it so often lacks reverence and solemnity.

Wabi Sabi - not to be confused with "wasabi"
The Japanese have an aesthetic concept called "Wabi Sabi." This term consists of two words. "Wabi" literally means "poverty," but in the aesthetic context it stands for simplicity; "Sabi" is literally "solitude, loneliness," and for aesthetic purposes it means something like natural impermanence. Wabi Sabi encourages, as one observer put it, a profound feeling of inner melancholy, and an appreciation of quietly clear and calm, well-seasoned and refined simplicity.
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Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Essays    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Poetry    5. Modern fiction   

Reviews (1)

A great resource and/or introduction to Philosophy of Art
An excellent collection of works covering diverse art forms.It is, however, lacking in its treatment of non-western art. The overall excellent quality warrent forgiveness of its shortcomings.I actually read this book in Dr. Goldblatt's class @ Denison Univ., OH. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Art    3. Philosophy    4. Philosophy / General   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Modern    4. Criticism    5. Esthetics    6. Individual Architect    7. Influence    8. Modern movement (Architecture)    9. Philosophy Of Architecture    10. Smithson, Alison Margaret    11. Smithson, Peter    12. Themes, motives    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Theory of architecture   

Reviews (1)

confessions of an angry young man
Anyone curious to learn more about the (in)famous art critic Clement Greenberg will be intrigued by this collection, which documents his letters to his friend Harold Lazarus between 1928-43.Unfortunately, few of Harold's replies are extant, thus we are only privy to one side of the correspondance.We are presented with the fascinating portrait nonetheless; of an ambitious and extremely well-read young man, although not a particularly pleasant one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists, Architects, Photographers    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Letters    6. Literary    7. Aesthetics    8. Biography: general    9. The Arts: General Issues    10. Art    11. Biography   

Reviews (16)

Another Guest for the Ideal Dinner Party
"Air Guitar" is Hickey's characterization of critical writing, it's direct relationship to its subject(s) being of approximately equal import as a person playing air guitar in his living room is to a rock concert.In the words of Vladimir Horowitz, the concert pianist, it is "the words without the music."That being said, it's damned interesting, all the same, especially when approached this way.Hickey's favorite technique is to take two seemingly disparate things and to discuss the way in which they inform each other, all the while examining the net effect on his life as your basic, educated, ambitious Joe trying to fill the "great gap of time" between birth and death with a mind boggling array of interesting experiences.In this way, they're more 'think pieces' than academic essays.I'll admit, there were moments when my brain hurt; but most of the time, I was enjoying his company and his facility for mental gymnastics -- and the obvious pleasure he took in it personally.I heard of this book on a radio interview (Fresh Air? Diane Rehm Show?) and bought it specifically so that I could have my own personal copy of "My Weimar" -- a spectacular, 'where am I in the grand sceme of things now' type touchstone.Reading the whole book as a part of a recent essay jag, I found it all equally challenging, equally enjoyable.

A great read for makers and lovers of culture
Ignore all of the negative press--decide for yourself and read the book (contrary to the opinions of some reviewers, this book is not hard to read). Yes, Dave frequently uses the word "quotidian" (Oh noooo!!!) and the cover may be too much if you have bad "good" taste. And at times, having to learn a new word is required (Is that a bad thing?). I think Hickey would say, that what all of the reviewers on this page are involved in, is exactly what he is arguing for--democratic discussion of the art that does or does not move you.

Great writing indeed, but why the heavy pen?
OK, granted, this is this first thing I've read by Dave Hickey, so I may not be giving his overall legacy a fair review. I know he's been around for awhile and has made numerous contributions to many top-notch magazines and journals. This book was recommended to me by a guy in a Williamsburg bookshop, and despite the accusation of 'genius' slapped on the front cover, I glanced through the book (identifying obviously great writing) and bought it on the spot.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art Criticism    5. Art and society    6. Arts, American    7. Criticism    8. Esthetics    9. General    10. Popular Culture - General    11. Popular culture    12. United States    13. Photographs: collections    14. String instruments   

Reviews (10)

A Big Commitment for Creativity
I am certain that even that torrent of innovation, Pablo Picasso, was interested in improving his creativity.So it's no surprise that the title of this book would pique the interest of artists
great experience!
i ordered the book for a class and the book arrived within a few days. also, in the condition that was stated on the website.

Class
I bought this bought for my design college course and it has been pretty helpful. I don't agree with all of the theories and practices but my teacher really does. It is good that I have to read it, it helps me understand him more. If you would like to learn practices of zen or zazen I'd recommend this book. It is also helpful if you like creative arts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Creativity    3. Esthetics    4. Psychology    5. Religion    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art teachers    4. Arts    5. Education    6. History - General    7. New York    8. New York (State)    9. Study & Teaching    10. Study and teaching    11. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    12. Training of    13. Philosophy of education    14. USA   

Reviews (5)

Lacking depth in analysis
Ghyka attempts to show the objects in nature are not randomly formed; he begins the with the concept of ratio and proportion in the plane; the golden section; and then to the regular polygons and geometric shapes in 3 dimensions.Then he rambles onto hypothesizing why an architecture design may seem striking. In doing so he makes gross assumptions which are to the point of being forced to fit his theories.The basic concepts that he delves; one can familiarize oneself with by a quick reference on the internet. Hence I do not recommend spending the time and money to read this book.
A good book focused on Phi
I'm not a mathematician, but I still found this book to be readable. It is largely focused on the Golden Section (Phi) and related proportions, including Fibonacci numbers, sqrt(Phi), etc. The explanation of how to derive this number is clearly explained in the first few chapters. The following chapters show how Phi is related to most things we see everyday, including architecture, 5-point animals, crystal latticies, art, and music. This book is quite old, so the illustrations seem rather antiquated. Nonetheless, the quantity and clarity of these illustrations are impressive. Accessible and Fascinating
This excellent book, written in 1946, still remains in print, and for good reason. Ghyka shows mathematically that objects in nature are not randomly formed, but all have regularity and harmony.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Criticism    4. General    5. Proportion    6. Proportion (Art)    7. Geometry    8. Science / General    9. Topology   

Reviews (7)

Good, though rather short and incomplete
As someone who stands out for having no interest in popular music and a love of classical music, I was overjoyed to discover this book. Finally, someone out there who finds current trends in music as depressing as I do, someone who is willing to defend classical music from the myriad of charges against it (and there are certainly many).
Adorno's thought, timely repackaged for the 21st century
I am a musicologist and active professional musician who has had some limited collegial contact with Dr Johnson. He is one of the most thorough academics and musical philosophers I know, so to sweep away the idea that this is an academic or musicological text (as one reviewer above has done) seems to me a little unfair - especially as the intellectual rigor here on the whole is far above most of the sorry work that has passed for musicology in the last decade. This is a book with few footnotes and scant deference to more fashionable (read US) scholars, but in adopting this format - that of the discursive essay - it parallels the structure and emphasis of its acknowledged model, the writings of Theodor Adorno. It may actually have a more significant impact on the direction of musicology than that of music itself, if enough of today's citation-obsessed relativists bother to read it.
Thoughts of an age 25 white male
First off, this is not a an academic or musicological book. But it is a very thoughtful one. It felt like a grouping of essays from which one could base discussions.
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Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Genres & Styles - Classical    3. Instruction & Study - Appreciation    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Philosophy and aesthetics    7. Social aspects    8. Classical music (c 1750 to c 1830)    9. Music / Classical    10. Music | Music Theory, Analysis, & Composition    11. Theory of music & musicology   

Reviews (1)

Not since Aristotle has Philosophy so Illuminated Fine Art
It is not every century that is so fortunate to receive a vision of FineArt that illuminates the foundations of Art and what Art means for thehuman species.Hegel first distinguishes between ordinary Aesthetics andhis notion of Fine Art, that is, Human Creativity.Nature can beAesthetic, but only Humans create Fine Art, and it is Fine Art that Hegelwishes to explore in this masterpiece. Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Hegel, George Wilhelm Friedrich    3. History & Surveys - Modern    4. History - General    5. Philosophy    6. Philosophy Of Art    7. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    8. Modern Western philosophy, c 1600 to the present    9. Philosophy / Aesthetics    10. Philosophy | Aesthetics    11. Theory of art