Beauty
A Very Short Introduction
-
-
4.0 • 2 Ratings
-
-
- $3.99
Publisher Description
Beauty can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane; it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. It can affect us in an unlimited variety of ways. Yet it is never viewed with indifference.
In this Very Short Introduction the renowned philosopher Roger Scruton explores the concept of beauty, asking what makes an object - either in art, in nature, or the human form - beautiful, and examining how we can compare differing judgements of beauty when it is evident all around us that our tastes vary so widely. Is there a right judgement to be made about beauty? Is it right to say there is more beauty in a classical temple than a concrete office block, more in a Rembrandt than in last year's Turner Prize winner?
Forthright and thought-provoking, and as accessible as it is intellectually rigorous, this introduction to the philosophy of beauty draws conclusions that some may find controversial, but, as Scruton shows, help us to find greater sense of meaning in the beautiful objects that fill our lives.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Customer Reviews
Complex
A book by a philosopher so be prepared for your brain to ache.
A Difficult but Valued Read
I wanted to learn more about what Scruton had to say on beauty after watching his BBC Presentation 'Beauty Matters'. This book certainly provided that. As a fine art photographer I know that I favour peaceful landscapes and interesting faces of people. I was wondering how this related to what one thinks of as beautiful and I think Scruton's book has helped me to figure this out. I certainly value what I've learned from his book.
His writing style, at least in this book, is to me of academia at the university level. Not a style I read every day, so I had to take my time and reread bits.