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The Invention of Art: A Cultural History
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The Invention of Art: A Cultural History Hardcover - 2001 - 1st Edition

by Larry Shiner


From the publisher

With The Invention of Art, Larry Shiner challenges our conventional understandings of art and asks us to reconsider its history entirely, arguing that the category of fine art is a modern invention--that the lines drawn between art and craft resulted from key social transformations in Europe during the long eighteenth century. Shiner spent over a decade honing what he calls 'a brief history of the idea of art.' This carefully prepared and--given the extent and complexity of what he's discussing--admirably concise, well-organized book is the result. . . . Shiner's text is scholarly but accessible, and should appeal to readers with even a dabbler's interest in art theory.--Publishers Weekly The Invention of Art is enjoyable to read and provides a welcome addition to the history and philosophy of art.--Terrie L. Wilson, Art Documentation A lucid book . . . it should be a must-read for anyone active in the arts.--Marc Spiegler, Chicago Tribune Books

First line

TODAY YOU can call virtually anything "art" and get away with it.

Details

  • Title The Invention of Art: A Cultural History
  • Author Larry Shiner
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 352
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL
  • Date September 1, 2001
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780226753423 / 0226753425
  • Weight 1.41 lbs (0.64 kg)
  • Dimensions 9 x 6 x 1.05 in (22.86 x 15.24 x 2.67 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Arts - Philosophy, Arts - History
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 00053247
  • Dewey Decimal Code 700.9

About the author

Larry Shiner is a professor of philosophy at the University of Illinois at Springfield. He is the author of The Secularization of History and The Secret Mirror.