The first reference of its kind, the Encyclopedia of Aesthetics was first published in 1998 in four volumes. Now expanded to include over 800 entries, the Encyclopedia surveys the full breadth of critical thought on art, culture, and society, from classical philosophy to contemporary critical theory. Contributors as prominent as Arthur C. Danto and John Hollander provide descriptions of the major philosophers and artists whose works have impacted the study of
Aesthetics; theories and trends such as Futurism and Postcolonialism; and concepts ranging from religion to obscenity. A RUSA Outstanding Reference Source in 1996, the Encyclopedia's first edition has sold over 3,000 copies and continues to sell several sets a year despite its age, proving that it is a
unique reference source of lasting value.
The field of Aesthetics is an evolving one, and as such the Encyclopedia has been updated and expanded for a six-volume second edition. The second edition has been expanded to include increased coverage of international aesthetics, modern aesthetics, new media like computer art, and areas like neuroaesthetics that were not thoroughly covered in the first edition. Featuring 815 articles by distinguished scholars from many fields and countries, the Encyclopedia is a comprehensive survey of major
concepts, thinkers, and debates about the meaning, uses, and value of all the arts-from painting and sculpture to literature, music, theater, dance, television, film, and popular culture. Of special interest are in-depth surveys of Western aesthetics and broad coverage of non-Western traditions and
theories of art. Over 250 new entries have been added altogether, with the first edition's editor-in-chief, Professor Michael Kelly of University of North Carolina-Charlotte, overseeing the updates and expansion.
