Title
In Praise Of Commercial Culture,Used
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
Does a market economy encourage or discourage music, literature, and the visual arts? Do economic forces of supply and demand help or harm the pursuit of creativity? This book seeks to redress the current intellectual and popular balance and to encourage a more favorable attitude toward the commercialization of culture that we associate with modernity. Economist Tyler Cowen argues that the capitalist market economy is a vital but underappreciated institutional framework for supporting a plurality of coexisting artistic visions, providing a steady stream of new and satisfying creations, supporting both high and low culture, helping consumers and artists refine their tastes, and paying homage to the past by capturing, reproducing, and disseminating it. Contemporary culture, Cowen argues, is flourishing in its various manifestations, including the visual arts, literature, music, architecture, and the cinema.Successful high culture usually comes out of a healthy and prosperous popular culture. Shakespeare and Mozart were highly popular in their own time. Beethoven's later, less accessible music was made possible in part by his early popularity. Today, consumer demand ensures that archival blues recordings, a wide array of past and current symphonies, and this week's Top 40 hit sit side by side in the music megastore. High and low culture indeed complement each other.Cowen's philosophy of cultural optimism stands in opposition to the many varieties of cultural pessimism found among conservatives, neoconservatives, the Frankfurt School, and some versions of the political correctness and multiculturalist movements, as well as historical figures, including Rousseau and Plato. He shows that even when contemporary culture is thriving, it appears degenerate, as evidenced by the widespread acceptance of pessimism. He ends by considering the reasons why cultural pessimism has such a powerful hold on intellectuals and opinionmakers.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'In Praise of Commercial Culture'? A: The book measures six point seventy-five inches in length, one point twenty-six inches in width, and nine point seventy-six inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does 'In Praise of Commercial Culture' have? A: The book contains two hundred eighty-eight pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its themes.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover, ensuring durability for frequent reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'In Praise of Commercial Culture'? A: The book is authored by Tyler Cowen, a prominent economist known for his insights on culture and economics.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around how a market economy influences creativity in music, literature, and the visual arts.
- Q: Is 'In Praise of Commercial Culture' suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study, especially for those interested in economics and cultural criticism.
- Q: What is the recommended reading level for this book? A: This book is recommended for adult readers or advanced students due to its complex themes and concepts.
- Q: How should I store 'In Praise of Commercial Culture'? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place, standing upright or flat to prevent damage to the binding.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth, but avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
- Q: Is 'In Praise of Commercial Culture' a good gift for someone interested in economics? A: Yes, it makes an excellent gift for anyone interested in economics, culture, or the arts.
- Q: Are there any notable critiques mentioned in the book? A: Yes, Cowen critiques cultural pessimism and discusses its prevalence among intellectuals and opinion-makers.
- Q: What makes this book different from other economics books? A: This book uniquely combines economic theory with cultural analysis, presenting a positive view of commercialization in the arts.
- Q: Is there a discussion about historical figures in the book? A: Yes, Cowen references historical figures like Shakespeare and Mozart to illustrate the relationship between popular and high culture.
- Q: Does the book address contemporary culture? A: Yes, Cowen discusses how contemporary culture is thriving across various artistic manifestations.
- Q: What kind of condition is the used book in? A: The book is classified as a used book in good condition, suitable for reading.