In todays art world many strange; even shocking; things qualify as art. In this Very Short Introduction Cynthia Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued in the arts; weaving together philosophy and art theory with many fascinating examples.She discusses blood; beauty; culture; money; museums; sex; and politics; clarifying contemporary and historical accounts of the nature; function; and interpretation of the arts. Freeland also propels us into the future by surveying cutting-edge web sites; alongside the latest research on the brains role in perceiving art.This clear; provocative book engages with the big debates surrounding our responses to art and is an invaluable introduction to anyone interested in thinking about art.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.
#114318 in eBooks 2003-02-13 2003-02-13File Name: B000SFBYIO
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Adequate; but datedBy E. M. WilsonThis book is an adequate introduction to the physics of music and would benefit those wanting to know some of the fundamentals of what is actually quite a complicated subject. Those fundamentals have of course not changed since the book was written; but I would suggest that the serious reader in this area; one desiring to understand some of the details of musical phenomena right up to current electronic keyboard devices; should obtain a copy of the several more-recently-written texts. Sir James is well-respected for his popularization of a number of scientific subjects; but he was not particularly an expert at acoustics; so his name alone should have little to do with being a reason for purchase of this book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Insightful; fascinating readBy C. FraleyThis book covers the basics of what sound is; how we here it; and how this is relevant to music. In some ways; this is a great summary of Helmholtzs fantastic work (from 1862); but *much* easier to read; and has the advantage of another 70+ years of research (Science and Music was originally published in 1937).5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Incredible insightBy Retired Physics ProfessorEvery student of physics and every serious musician should read this book. Having read many books on the "physics of music" this is by far the best i have ever read. Sir James Jeans offers incredible insight even approximately 70 years after is was written.