History of Beauty

Book Review

Umberto Eco's «History of Beauty» is a captivating exploration of the concept of beauty in Western culture from antiquity to modern times. Critics note that Eco masterfully combines academic rigor with accessible presentation, making complex philosophical and aesthetic ideas understandable to a broad audience. The book is richly illustrated, allowing readers to visually immerse themselves in the discussed eras and styles. Eco not only analyzes various perceptions of beauty but also shows how they reflect the cultural and historical contexts of their time. Some critics point out the excessive detail and abundance of information, which may complicate comprehension, but overall, «History of Beauty» is considered an important contribution to the study of aesthetics and cultural studies.