I gave this 3 stars because he had some interesting points, but for the most part I didn't get a lot of what he was saying. I was annoyed by how he would sum up a point in Greek, or French - with no translation. Maybe I should know those languages, but I don't, so I missed out on much. I wanted there to be a more succinct explanation of what he was analyzing. I kept waiting for it to be stated as such, but it didn't occur. This book did not help me to solidify my definition of art, if anything, I am all the more confused. I am a visual artist and therefor I see the big picture. Analyzing is not my strength, so I will leave the analyzing to those of you for whom it is.
The theory of art or language -- he regards them as identical -- lies at the heart of Collingwood's philosophy. This book should become the "Bible" of language theorists, rather than the drivel of people like Chomsky, for it shows us how meaning is created. Thought is not the antithesis of emotion, but is built upon a foundation of emotion, and includes emotion within itself. This has enormous implications for the theory of art, or aesthetics, and Collingwood works them out, as well as the ramifications for civilization itself.
This is simply the best book in the field, and should be read not only by artists and philosophers, but by any one who wants to understand the place of art in his own life.
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