Books like Forms of attention by Frank Kermode

A timeless lecture manual that examines reading through the lens of psychology, offering systematic strategies for adult learners and contributing to a broader understanding of civilization.

Nietzsche’s first book explores Greek tragedy, Schopenhauer’s philosophy, and Wagner’s music, arguing that the fusion of Apollonian order and Dionysian ecstasy creates the highest art and offers insight into suffering.

Over a decade ago, Arthur Danto announced that art ended in the sixties. Ever since this declaration, he has been at the forefront of a radical critique of the nature of art in our time. After the End of Art presents Danto's first full-scale reformulation of his original insight, showing how, with the eclipse of abstract expressionism, art has deviated irrevocably from the narrative course that Vassari helped define for it in the Renaissance. Moreover, he leads the way to a new type of criticism that can help us understand art in a posthistorical age - where, for example, an artist can produce a work in the style of Rembrandt to create a visual pun, and where traditional theories cannot explain the difference between Andy Warhol's Brillo Box and the product found in the grocery store. Here we are engaged in a series of insightful and entertaining conversations on the most relevant aesthetic and philosophical issues of art, conducted by an especially acute observer of the art scene today. Originally delivered as the prestigious Mellon Lectures on the Fine Arts, these writings cover art history, pop art, "people's art," the future role of museums, and the critical contributions of Clement Greenberg - who helped make sense of modernism for viewers over two generations ago through an aesthetics-based criticism.

Criticizing Art: Understanding the Contemporary helps students of art and art history better understand and appreciate contemporary art by studying the principles of art criticism and applying them to contemporary forms of American art. This book provides a framework for critically considering contemporary art through describing, interpreting, evaluating, and theorizing. The diverse perspectives of contemporary critics such as Douglas Crimp, Arthur Danto, Elizabeth Heartney, Donald Kuspit, Lucy Lippard, Peter Plagens, and Arlene Raven on the work of Leon Golub, Jenny Holzer, Frida Kahlo, Elizabeth Murray, Martin Puryear, William Wegman, and many other artists help readers develop their own critical positions. Chapter 5, "Theory and Art Criticism," offers clear definitions of modernism, post-modernism, feminism, and multiculturalism, enabling readers to understand the critical milieu in which twentieth century critics have been operating. An entire chapter (Chapter 6) devoted to writing and talking about contemporary art leads readers through the process of preparing thoughtful, well-constructed critical analyses. Two student papers provide useful examples of the principles discussed throughout the text. Guidelines for constructive group criticism are also included.

Are trees social beings? Forester and author Peter Wohlleben makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in his woodland.