(Paperback)

An original readable, understandable (and brief) discussion of the need for arts, one of the great philosophical mysteries, and one which offers a persuasive and satisfying answer.

(Hardback)

What happens when we look at a painting What do we think about What do we imagine How can we explain, even to ourselves, what we see or think we see And how can art historians interpret with any seriousness what they observe This title deals with these questions.

(Hardback)

(Paperback)

Demystifying the creative process.

(Paperback, 158th New edition)

An essential text in the history of Marxist art theory, available in English for the first time

(Paperback)

A study of contradictions in the visual arts from one of America's art critics, this work examines the pivotal conflict between expressionistic art and the pursuit of abstract purity. Through argument and illustrations, Donald Kuspit investigates opposition between a host of central figures.

(Hardback)

A highly original and wide-ranging study of 'the end' in art.

(Paperback, New edition)

Ruskin offers criticism, appreciation and instruction for artists. The text covers principles of drawing and painting from the Tuscan masters. A biographical note and introduction by Bill Beckley is included.

(Paperback)

Sets out an ordered system of the arts - music, painting, sculpture, narrative, poetry and tragedy - based on the precepts of German Idealism.

(Paperback)

This collection features selected writings over two decades from America's leading feminist art critic. It traces her thinking on such topics as the ever-evolving definitions of "women's art", political and activist art, and the contributions of feminist art theory to the politics of identity.

(Paperback)

Exposes the charlatanry that fuels academic art history and leaks into the art world generally.

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

"Frances Guerin argues that painters select grey to respond to a key question of modernist art: What is painting Presenting an impressive range of canonical paintings across centuries, this book is a treatise on color that allows us to see something entirely new in familiar paintings and encourages our appreciation for the innovation and dynamism of the color grey"--

(Paperback)

Unites solo and group interviews with five women artists, who for various reasons no longer live and work in their native countries. This work exposes section by section layers, which - viewed as a whole - reveal what is special about each artist's work as well as the links between them.

(Paperback)

(Paperback)

An anthology of essays about beauty in art. It encompasses Meyer Schapiro's sceptical argument on perfection, contributions from artists such as Louise Bourgeois and Agnes Martin, and reflections of critics, curators and philosophers on the problems of beauty and relativism.

(Paperback)

In this publication artistic objects are presented as articulating function in the process of self-organisation, the quintessence of creativity, work methods and trigger events in design processes. An ideas bonanza.

(Paperback)

(Hardback)

A series of conversations held by Didier Eribon with Sir Ernst Gombrich, art historian, author of "The Story of Art" and former Director of the Warburg Institute. As undogmatic, sceptical and wide-ranging as ever, Gombrich continues to encourage fresh thoughts on fundamental issues.

(Hardback)

Unlock the secrets of colour - learn how and why it has been used in art over the centuries

(Hardback, 2nd ed. 1993)

An overview of theories and studies which contribute to the project of a sociology of art, ranging from sociology to art history, literary theory, feminism and media studies. The author addresses the key questions of the role of the reader/viewer, the nature of authorship, and the possibility of cultural politics.

(Paperback)

A critical response to dialogues about producing, exhibiting and criticizing art and aesthetics at a time when the art world is locked in an analysis of identity politics. The book addresses the question of how art can be an empowering and revolutionary force within the black community.

(Paperback)

Following on from her bestselling book How to Survive Modern Art, Susie Hodge once again tackles a dauntingly complex subject: how can we evaluate, explore and respond to art In her characteristically engaging style, Susie Hodge shows us how to interpret and respond to a broad variety of artwork and artists' philosophies.

(Paperback)

Designed to equip the cultural tourist and art student with the means to interpret each painting, building, or artifact in terms of the iconography and symbolism of Islam, this book will deepen understanding not only of Islamic art and architecture but also of Islam itself.