The Open Work
This collection of newly translated essays presents Eco's response to the aesthetics of Benedetto Croce, which have had considerable influence in Italian thought for several decades. Eco's idea of "open" works of art, those that "have in common . . . the artist's decision to leave the arrangement of some of their constituents either to the public or to chance" is challenging and will disturb traditionalists. Nevertheless, as with his other books, Eco writes insightfully and forcefully, and the variety of subjects tackled here is illuminating, ranging from language and communication in general, to television and mass culture. Highly recommended for academic libraries and informed readers.- Terry Skeats, Bishop's Univ. Lib., Lennoxville, QuebecCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.