Art and Enchantment

Patrick Curry is a tutor in the School of Environment, Archaeology, History and Anthropology at the University of Wales Trinity St David, UK. He is the author of Ecological Ethics: An Introduction and Enchantment: Wonder in Modern Life, and the editor of Divination: Perspectives for a New Millennium. He is also editor-in-chief of the online journal The Ecological Citizen.

‘This is a wonderful, and wonder-filled, book. Curry patiently but passionately explores how enchantment returns us to a more elemental relationship with the world through the gifts of art, music, and fiction. Moving seamlessly between theoretical reflection and personal experience, Art and Enchantment also serves as a model for a living criticism alert to the necessity of art in a dangerously disenchanted world. We won’t heal our earth without finding our way back to it; this book can help.’ – Scott Black, Professor of English, University of Utah, USA‘In an era where so many vaunt the subversive, critical and revolutionary potentials of art, Patrick Curry’s book is a welcome alternative, a refreshing return to wonder and enchantment. Informed by deep scholarship worn lightly and artistic tradition alike, this work is accessible, thought-provoking, and occasionally even enchanting.’ – Tom Boland, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University College Cork, Ireland‘Patrick Curry’s Art and Enchantment is one man’s journey into the mystery of art: enchantment, being ‘in the song’. In his search, Curry discards the enemies of enchantment – the didact, the rationalist, and the one who looks for some quasi-scientific logic – and in doing so compiles a powerful case against modern civilization. His range of references is prodigious. He has read more, seen more and absorbed more than most of us could match. He writes with a disarming modesty and eloquence, and convinces by his pin-point descriptions. This is a book to be savoured.’ – John Elsom, PhD, author of Missing the Point: The Rise of High Modernity and the Decline of Everything Else‘Art and Enchantment is a global kaleidoscope of vivid personal observations, fascinating quotations and challenging reflections focussing on the vital role that art can play in our lives today.’ – Julian Spalding, author of The Art of Wonder: A History of Seeing'Both congenial and wise, Curry's book advocates for the sort of literary experience that brings true delight. I'm glad there's another defender out there.' – Mark Edmundson, Professor of English, University of Virginia

• Acknowledgements1. Introduction2. What is Enchantment?3. Painting I4. Painting II5. Music I6. Music II7. Fiction I8. Fiction II9. Poetry10. ConclusionIndex