Art and Beauty in the Middle Ages

[A] delightful study. . . . His remarkably lucid and readable essay is full of contemporary relevance and informed by the energies of a man in love with his subject. -Robert Taylor, Boston Globe A model of what a historical survey should be. -Richard J. Morris, Los Angeles Times This survey of the aesthetics off medieval Latin civilization . . . reveals the insight and eloquence that would later gain him worldwide fame after the release of his novel, The Name of the Rose. -Alida Beccker, Philadelphia Inquirer An original and illuminating synthesis of disciplines usually treated separately. -Sunday Times The book lays out so many exciting ideas and interesting facts that readers will find it gripping. -Washington Post Book World Fresh and useful in this highly readable translation. . . . A brief but accurate introduction to a vast field. -Library Journal For as complex as this book is, it is written lucidly and engagingly and gets its points across in a concise and interesting manner. -Patricia L. Kleeberger, Art Documentation This study stands by itself as a monograph on the development of the aesthetic principles and problems that engaged the Schoolmen from the sixth through the 15th century. More than a history of theory, this essay is an absorbing synthesis of theology, science, poetry, and mysticism with artistic theory and practice-providing comprehensive insight into medieval culture. -Choice Some original insights into an era that was previously regarded by many as devoid of aesthetic ideals and criteria. -Kirkus Reviews A welcome paperback edition of a translation first published in 1986 of the original Sviluppo dell'estetica medievale. -Manuscripta Offer[s] as good a general introduction to medieval aesthetics and art theory as one is likely to find in English. . . . The book is filled . . . with quite wonderful material. -Russell Peck, The Baltimore Morning Sun