9780143109976

Better Living Through Criticism

Format: Paperback

ISBN13: 9780143109976

Paperback|9780143109976


Overview

The New York Times film critic shows why we need criticism now more than ever

Few could explain, let alone seek out, a career in criticism. Yet what A.O. Scott shows in Better Living Through Criticism is that we are, in fact, all critics: because critical thinking informs almost every aspect of artistic creation, of civil action, of interpersonal life. With penetrating insight and warm humor, Scott shows that while individual critics--himself included--can make mistakes and find flaws where they shouldn't, criticism as a discipline is one of the noblest, most creative, and urgent activities of modern existence.

Using his own film criticism as a starting point--everything from his infamous dismissal of the international blockbuster The Avengers to his intense affection for Pixar's animated Ratatouille--Scott expands outward, easily guiding readers through the complexities of Rilke and Shelley, the origins of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, the power of Marina Abramovich and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn.' Drawing on the long tradition of criticism from Aristotle to Susan Sontag, Scott shows that real criticism was and always will be the breath of fresh air that allows true creativity to thrive. "The time for criticism is always now," Scott explains, "because the imperative to think clearly, to insist on the necessary balance of reason and passion, never goes away."


ISBN-13

9780143109976

ISBN-10

0143109979

Weight

0.54 Pounds

Dimensions

5.10 x 0.83 x 7.75 In

List Price

$18.00

Format

Paperback

Language

English

Pages

304 pages

Publisher

Penguin Books

Published On

2017-02-07



View All Offers

Sort by:

Rows per page:

1–5 of 5

Condition
Seller
Seller Comments
Price
Used, Good
Seller details
Zoom Books Company
★★★★☆

Lynden, WA, USA

Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also i...
$6.04

 Free delivery by: 02 Apr 2026

Used, Very Good
Seller details
HPB-Diamond
★★★★☆

Dallas, TX, USA

Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and ...
$9.22

 Free delivery by: 02 Apr 2026

Used, Very Good
Seller details
HPB-Diamond
★★★★☆

Dallas, TX, USA

Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and ...
$9.22

 Free delivery by: 02 Apr 2026

Used, Very Good
Seller details
HPB Inc.
★★★★☆

Dallas, TX, USA

Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and ...
$9.22

 Free delivery by: 02 Apr 2026


Bookstores.com relies on cookies to improve your experience.