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What is Art?
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What is Art?
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This work is suited for readers interested in philosophy of art, cultural criticism, and Tolstoy's broader intellectual legacy. It will engage those who appreciate deep, challenging reflections on the purpose and nature of art beyond mere aesthetics.
Reprint. Originally published: London: Bristol Classical Press, 1994.
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Description
Both critics and admirers of Tolstoy's great novel were shocked by the savage iconoclasm of his What is Art? when it appeared in 1898. How was it that this great artist could condemn the works of Shakespeare, Raphael, Beethoven and even his own Anna Karenina as 'false art'? Today's reader still has to grapple with that paradox. The essay still has power to challenge and provoke, for it was written by a giant who took art seriously while Western civilisation toyed with it as a mere pastime. For Tolstoy, art was as natural and as necessary for humankind as speech.
In his introduction to this translation, W. Gareth Jones shows how vitally Tolstoy's personality and experience of life were engaged in creating What is Art?, how integral the essay was to his art and teaching, and why it continues to demand a response from us.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781853993817
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 January 1998
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Bristol Classical Press
Edition: New edition
Illustration: black & white illustrations
Contributors:
- Translated by Aylmer Maude
- Volume editor W. Gareth Jones
- Translated by G. Jones
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 13.0mm
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 292g
Pages: 248
About the Author
W. Gareth Jones is Professor of Russian at the University of Wales, Bangor, UK. He is the author of Tolstoi and Britain (1995), and Nikolay Novikov: Enlightener of Russia (2009).
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