Esthetics Contemporary by Richard Kostelanetz - Modern Aesthetics

In this review of Esthetics Contemporary, the reviewer finds a thought-provoking anthology best suited to readers who want a panoramic view of modern debates about art. Richard Kostelanetz has compiled and revised selections that illuminate changing criteria for what is called superior art, and the book's main appeal is its range: essays drawn from literature, dance, theatre, music, cinema, architecture, and the visual arts present a cross-section of authoritative opinion. This revised edition, with fourteen new selections, offers a useful historical and critical perspective for students and thoughtful general readers.

Key Features

• Revised anthology: The updated collection includes fourteen new selections to reflect recent shifts in critical opinion and broaden the book's chronological scope.
• Cross-disciplinary coverage: Essays span literature, dance, theatre, music, cinema, architecture, and visual arts to show how different fields approach questions of value.
• Critical context: Selections from respected authorities help readers see how criteria for "superior" art change over time and with public and professional opinion.
• Accessible scholarship: Kostelanetz frames complex esthetic questions in a way that is approachable for non-specialists while still useful to students and critics.
• Editorial curation: The arrangement and choice of essays illuminate trends and contrasts, making it a practical text for classroom use or individual study.

Who It's For

Esthetics Contemporary is aimed at readers interested in the history of ideas about art and the ongoing debates that shape cultural judgment. It is a solid choice for graduate and undergraduate philosophy or art history students who need primary-source perspectives and for independent readers who enjoy comparative criticism across artistic media.

Those looking for an introductory how-to handbook on making art or a single-author manifesto should look elsewhere; this volume is anthology-driven and best appreciated by readers who want multiple voices and critical context rather than step-by-step creative instruction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Broad cross-disciplinary selection provides multiple angles on what constitutes superior art.
• The revised edition's new selections keep the discussion current and relevant to contemporary debates.
• Useful as a classroom resource because of its range and representative voices.

Cons

• Because it is an anthology, readers seeking a unified argument or single critical stance may find the variety less cohesive.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Esthetics Contemporary is a valuable anthology for anyone wanting a panoramic, critical view of how judgments about art evolve. Its revised selections and cross-disciplinary reach make it good value for students and readers who prefer multiple authoritative perspectives rather than a single theoretical treatise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include new material?
Yes, the revised edition contains fourteen new selections added to broaden contemporary perspectives.

Is this book suitable for classroom use?
Yes, the variety of authoritative essays and cross-disciplinary focus make it well suited for philosophy, art history, and aesthetics courses.

Will a casual reader enjoy it?
Casual readers interested in ideas about art and cultural debate will find it engaging, though those seeking practical art instruction may prefer a different book.