Introduction
Criticism as Evaluation
The Object of Criticism
The Parts of Criticism (Minus One)
Evaluation: Problems and Prospects
Biography
Noël Carroll is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is the author of a number of books on aesthetics and philosophy, including The Philosophy of Horror and The Philosophy of Art.
'This book is badly needed, as much by critics as those who read them, as much by teachers of criticism as those who would like to write criticism.'
- Arthur C. Danto, Art Critic, The Nation
'This little book runs directly counter to the modern orthodoxy that proper art criticism is all about interpretation and contextualizing. With admirable clarity and disarming candor, it defends the unfashionable view that the heart of art criticism is giving reasoned evaluations of artistic achievement. Everything else passing under this label -- from gender theory to Derridean deconstruction -- is secondary. What makes the book specially persuasive is Noel Carroll's unrivalled expertise in all things aesthetic.'
- Gordon Graham, Princeton University, USA
