On Ugliness

On Ugliness by Umberto Eco invites readers to explore the delicate interplay between beauty and its counterpoint. While we often define ugliness simply as the absence of beauty, Eco suggests that the phenomenon is far more complex, serving as a mirror to our deepest cultural attitudes and aesthetic values. His analysis spans nearly three thousand years, offering a fresh perspective on how perceptions of deformity have both repelled and strangely fascinated us over time. This first edition paperback, published in 2011 by Quercus Publishing, is richly layered with historical insights and illustrative examples drawn from art and literature. Eco's characteristic wit and scholarly acumen illuminate the unexpected connections between repulsion and empathy, encouraging a reevaluation of traditional aesthetic canons. With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking content, On Ugliness is a compelling addition to the discourse on beauty and art.