Skip to content

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth Paperback - 2017

by A. O. Scott


From the publisher

The New York Times film critic shows why we need criticism now more than ever

Few could explain, let alone seek out, a career in criticism. Yet what A.O. Scott shows in Better Living Through Criticism is that we are, in fact, all critics: because critical thinking informs almost every aspect of artistic creation, of civil action, of interpersonal life. With penetrating insight and warm humor, Scott shows that while individual critics--himself included--can make mistakes and find flaws where they shouldn't, criticism as a discipline is one of the noblest, most creative, and urgent activities of modern existence.

Using his own film criticism as a starting point--everything from his infamous dismissal of the international blockbuster The Avengers to his intense affection for Pixar's animated Ratatouille--Scott expands outward, easily guiding readers through the complexities of Rilke and Shelley, the origins of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, the power of Marina Abramovich and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn.' Drawing on the long tradition of criticism from Aristotle to Susan Sontag, Scott shows that real criticism was and always will be the breath of fresh air that allows true creativity to thrive. "The time for criticism is always now," Scott explains, "because the imperative to think clearly, to insist on the necessary balance of reason and passion, never goes away."

Details

  • Title Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
  • Author A. O. Scott
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 304
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Books
  • Date 2017-02-07
  • Features Index
  • ISBN 9780143109976 / 0143109979
  • Weight 0.53 lbs (0.24 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.9 in (19.56 x 12.95 x 2.29 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Criticism, Criticism (Philosophy)
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2017288343
  • Dewey Decimal Code 801.95

About the author

A. O. Scott joined The New York Times as a film critic in January 2000. Previously, Mr. Scott was a Sunday book reviewer for Newsday and a frequent contributor to Slate, The New York Review of Books, and many other publications. He has served on the editorial staffs of Lingua Franca and The New York Review of Books. In addition to his film-reviewing duties, Mr. Scott often writes for the Times Magazine and the Book Review. He lives with his family in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by Scott, A. O.

  • Used
Condition
UsedVeryGood
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Skokie, Illinois, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.42
$4.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedVeryGood. minor shelf wear
Item Price
$5.42
$4.00 shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Eugene , Oregon, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.49
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Books. Used - Good. BACK COVER HAS A CREASE IN IT BUT BOOK REMAINS IN GOOD READABLE CONDITION. paperback 100% of proceeds go to charity! Good condition with all pages in tact. Item shows signs of use and may have cosmetic defects.
Item Price
$5.49
$3.99 shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by Scott, A. O.

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - vg+
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.50
$5.50 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin. 2016. vg+. Paperback. ISBN:9780143109976 3rd ptg. thus; 7.75" tall; xii + 291pp including index; white cover .
Item Price
$5.50
$5.50 shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by A. O. Scott

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.61
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2017. Paperback. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$7.61
FREE shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by A. O. Scott

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.61
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2017. Paperback. Good. Disclaimer:Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$7.61
FREE shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by Scott, A. O

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Reno, Nevada, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.74
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
$7.74
FREE shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism : How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by Scott, A. O

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$8.86
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
$8.86
FREE shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by Scott, A. O

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$10.05
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Books, 2017-02-07. Paperback. Used: Good.
Item Price
$10.05
FREE shipping to USA
Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

by Scott, A. O

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
777
Seller
Fairfax Station, Virginia, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$12.11
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Books, 2017-02-07. Paperback. New.
Item Price
$12.11
$3.99 shipping to USA
BETTER LIVING THROUGH CRITICISM
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

BETTER LIVING THROUGH CRITICISM

by SCOTT,A

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good+
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780143109976
ISBN 10
0143109979
Quantity Available
1
Seller
NEW YORK, New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$12.75
$4.49 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
pb. Good+. All pages and cover are intact. Possible minor highlighting and marginalia. Ships from an indie bookstore in NYC.
Item Price
$12.75
$4.49 shipping to USA