SKU: 20889130956

Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth

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Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think about Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and TruthThe 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

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."



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: 02/07/2017
ISBN: 9780143109976
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.53lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.10w x 0.90d
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SKU: 20889130956

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Melissa P
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 3
Not as tall as anticipated
Color: Black, Size: Wheel-6 Panel
Definitely not 6 feet tall, more like 5 1/2. Very sturdy and the fabric is thick. Works well for what we're using it for.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2025
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Birmingham, US
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Debbie Flynn
Carnegie, US
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Love it it was perfect for what I needed it for. Good quality!
Size: 4 Panel, Color: Black
It like a very dark chocolate brown/black. What I liked most about it is that you just pull it out of the box take the long plastic film off of it and it's ready to go. It has protective feet on the bottom. It's very attractive and it was so easy. It's so nice when you have a product you don't have to assemble.
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Suphisara B.
Massapequa, US
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Good quality. Nice design
Size: 4 Panel, Color: Chocolate Brown
Love it. Beautiful and good material. Just a little bit too high for my room.
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GrandmaJeanie
Massapequa, US
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Shipped quickly and as described
It was what I expected as functionality, lightweight and easy to move about. I plan to use it in my enclosed patio to obscure weight bench and wts. My only complaint is that the bamboo cover on one edge is not secure. But I will probably use a magic marker to cover the natural back that is showing. I don’t have time to return it as my event is coming soon.
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