The Esthetics of the Middle Ages (review)
Francis J. Kovach
470 HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY of fundamental notions (e.g.,"creator" and "demiurge") are omnipresent. Sometimes even a confusion happens Anaxagoras with Democritus when the "atom" is ascribed to (p. 48). And author does not seem feel fatal inadequacy merely second-hand knowledge. While he in longura et latum argues Aristotelian presentations misrepresentations Anaxagorean tenets, there good reason for suspicion that might never have read one authentic sentence written by himself. For those interested general cultural history, this book, religious diatribe modem Zoroastrian believer, very worthwhile reading. historian philosophy , itis rather modest value. P-~LIX M. CLEVE New School Social Research York City The Esthetics Middle Ages. By Edgar De Bruyne. Trans. Eileen B. Hennessy. (New York: Frederick Uugar, 1969. Pp. viii+232. $6.50) This book has complex character. It English translation French work, L'Esth~tique du moyen dge,I which, turn, one-volume abridged version Bruyne his own original three-volume I~tudes d'Esth~tique M~di~vale .2 Thus, may evaluate either as or, presupposing faithfulness correctness itself,as relatively short work E. Bruyne, or else its relation compared work. I will confine myself here lattertwo considerations.3 First, considering comparison principal writings most significant contemporary contributions history medieval aesthetics, we can find both quantitative qualitative differences between version. difference considerable. at least translation, less than quarter thousand pages length, includes altogether 1,224 4 thus more five times longer thc translated it. methodological equally great. In each three volumes deals primarily various authors aesthetic works doctrines chronological order.5 contrast, contents follow topical arrangement chronology playing only subordinate role, if any all, within Louvain. L'InstitutSupdrieur de Philosophic, 1947. Brugge: Tempel, 1946. s had no access original. 9 Vol. I, xiv+370; II, x-{-420; III,x-F400. VoL I: Boethius Erigena; II. "L'l~poque Romane," from Carolingian period schools Chartres St. Victor; Ill:the thirteenthcentury, Bernard Duns Scotus. BOOK REVIEWS 471 topic. six chapters entitled, "'The Sources," "The Fundamental Principles," "Various Esthetic Systems," Experience," "Art," Fine Arts." To be added third result first two differences. There virtually neither direct quotation on topic, nor a~y reference texts mentioned discussed. itself understandable, since scholar specializing field would over 1,200 while perfectly justified terms an intelligent summary, absence especially references discussed is, shown below, deeply regxettable. So much relative consideration Let us next consider form positive negative evaluation. Second, despite brevity finds extremely valuable quantity quality data it contains. As quantity, manages compress enormous amount information about thought into book. significance this, ourselves point only...
Journal of the History of Philosophy