An Aesthetics Anthology

This book is a collection of insightful writings on aesthetics and Chinese and Western art by ZONG Baihua, one of the most esteemed scholars of aesthetics in China.

The 22 essays in the book dive deep into a variety of topics, including the aesthetic theory and aesthetic thoughts in ancient China and the West, history of Chinese art, Western classical art, and art theory, as well as Chinese poetics. The book explores different types of art in the Chinese and Western culture, ranging from the painting, Chinese calligraphy, sculpture, ancient architecture, and music to Chinese classic and modern poetry. Taking a comparative approach, the author expounds on the key elements of traditional Chinese aesthetic thinking and artistic conception and also elucidates the art theory in ancient Greek and Kant’s aesthetics.

Presented in an engaging way and written in poetic prose, this title will be a must-read for both academic and general readers interested in aesthetics, Chinese ancient art, and art theory.

ZONG Baihua (1897-1986) was a modern Chinese philosopher, master of aesthetics, and poet who taught at Nanjing University and Peking University, China. His major works also include The Complete Works of Zong Baihua and The Realm of Art.