The Principles of Art

R. G. Collingwood (1889-1943), philosopher and historian, was Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy, Oxford University. One of the most learned men of his generation, he had a remarkable breadth of interest and knowledge and originiality of mind. He is the author of many notable books, including The Idea of History, An Autobiography, Essay on Metaphysics, Essay on Philosophical Method, The Idea ofNature, The New Leviathan, Speculum Mentis: or The Map of KNowledge, and with J. N. L. Myres, Roman Britain and the English Settlements in the Oxford Hitsory of England series.

"Collingwood is as insightful as ever; his observations and arguments have lost no validity since Principles was published."--Philip Chandler, College of St. Thomas More"Without being pedantic, Collingwood is factual and precise; both his structure and facade are built up of thousands of details, and the whole forms an integrity, a synthesis, the product of an ordered mind which puts everything in its place."--John Cournos, The New York Times

• I: Introduction BOOK I. ART AND NOT ART II: Art and Craft III: Art and Representation IV: Art as Magic V: Art as Amusement VI: Art Proper: (1) As Expression VII: Art Proper: (2) As Imagination BOOK II. THE THEORY OF IMAGINATION VIII: Thinking and Feeling IX: Sensation and Imagination X: Imagination and Consciousness XI: Language BOOK III. THE THEORY OF ART XII: Art as Language XIII: Art and Truth XIV: The Artist and the Community XV: Conclusion