Authority and Freedom: A Defense of the Arts

From a renowned art critic, this manifesto reaffirms the independence of all arts—musical, literary, and visual—and their unique power to excite, disturb, and inspire all aspects of life.

Author Jed Perl argues that the arts have their own laws and logic, transcending momentary controversies. He contends that art’s relevance lies in its perceived irrelevance. This book will resonate with readers from college classrooms to foundation board meetings, where the arts confront social, political, and economic issues.

He asserts that the arts’ essence lies in their ability to free us from fixed definitions and categories. Art’s inherent uncategorizability is its key importance. Perl defends works of art as adventurous dialogues, balancing dispassion and impassioned engagement. This book is for anyone concerned about the future of the arts in a democratic society. 

(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)