This monumental book - the last to be completed by the author - is a study of a recurring phenomenon in the history of changing taste in the visual arts: the feeling that older and less sophisticated (i.e. 'primitive') works are somehow morally and aesthetically superior to later works that are perceived as comparatively soft and decadent. In his first narrative work for over two decades, Professor Gombrich traces this fundamental idea back to Classical Antiquity, where he links it both with Cicero's observation that over ...
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This monumental book - the last to be completed by the author - is a study of a recurring phenomenon in the history of changing taste in the visual arts: the feeling that older and less sophisticated (i.e. 'primitive') works are somehow morally and aesthetically superior to later works that are perceived as comparatively soft and decadent. In his first narrative work for over two decades, Professor Gombrich traces this fundamental idea back to Classical Antiquity, where he links it both with Cicero's observation that over-indulgence of the senses leads to a feeling of disgust, and with the profoundly influential metaphor comparing the development of art to that of a living organism. Like an organism, art grows to maturity then decays and dies: successive generations of artists and critics have preferred the strength, nobility and sincerity of earlier styles to the more refined later styles with their corrupting and meretricious appeal to the senses. After reviewing the Classical authors whose writings largely set the terms of the debate, Gombrich then charts its progress since its revival in the eighteenth century, documenting the often subtle shifts of taste and judgement that frequently focus on the pivotal role of Raphael. In the final chapters, he turns to the truly revolutionary primitivism of the twentieth century, analysing the momentous shifts of taste before which he was himself an eyewitness. Assimilating more than 40 years of study and reflection on this theme, the book presents a vividly argued narrative, supported by extensive quotations that document with acute precision the role of authors, critics and artists in shaping and changing opinion. Principal and pioneering both as a personal testament and as a documentary anthology, this long-anticipated book provides a deep and revealing insight into the history and psychology of taste.
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Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $3.98, good condition, Sold by Bookoutlet rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bridgeton, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
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Ships Within 24 Hours M-F-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Has a publisher overstock mark. Good shape with typical wear may have creases/tears. Book has no dust cover, however is very sharp and readable.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $3.98, fair condition, Sold by Bookoutlet rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bridgeton, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
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Fair. Ships Within 24 Hours M-F-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Has a publisher overstock mark. Good shape with typical wear may have creases/tears. Book has no dust cover, however is very sharp and readable.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $3.98, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $17.53, good condition, Sold by Hay-on-Wye Booksellers rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hereford, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
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Good. UNUSED-dust jacket has light scratches/marks and outer edges have minor scuffs/nicks. Book content is in new condition. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. With dust jacket. 324 p. Contains: Illustrations.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $24.50, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in fair condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1250grams, ISBN: 9780714841540.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $26.28, very good condition, Sold by Hay-on-Wye Booksellers rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hereford, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
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Very Good. New/unused condition with small scuffs and scratches to the dust jacket. The content is in new condition. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. With dust jacket. 324 p. Contains: Illustrations.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $27.88, very good condition, Sold by Colin Martin Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Camerton, EAST YORKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Phaidon.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $29.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $33.75, like new condition, Sold by Argosy Book Store rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from New York, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Phaidon.
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Fine in near fine jacket. Illustrated in color & b/w. 324 pages. Tall 8vo, gray cloth, d.w.; spine evenly faded. (London: Phaidon Press, 2002). First edition. A fine copy in a near fine dust wrapper.
Add this copy of The Preference for the Primitive: Episodes in the to cart. $44.05, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Phaidon Press.
