On Beauty – A History of a Western Idea

On Beauty – A History of a Western Idea by Umberto Eco and Girolamo De Michele is an elegant and deeply researched exploration of how Western culture has defined, pursued, and reinterpreted beauty throughout the centuries. Drawing from philosophy, art history, literature, and aesthetics, the authors trace the shifting ideals that have shaped Western thought, from the harmonious proportions admired by the ancient Greeks to the elaborate symbolism of the Middle Ages, the human-centred vision of the Renaissance, and the challenging abstractions of the modern era. The book presents beauty not as a fixed concept, but as a vibrant and evolving dialogue, shaped by cultural values, religious beliefs, and artistic innovation.

Lavishly illustrated throughout, On Beauty pairs its scholarly commentary with visual examples that highlight each period’s understanding of the beautiful. Eco’s signature clarity and wit shine in discussions that bridge classical theorists, medieval theologians, Enlightenment thinkers, Romantic rebels, and contemporary critics. De Michele’s contributions enrich the historical framing, offering readers a structured pathway through complex ideas while keeping the narrative accessible and engaging. Together, they reveal how beauty has been used to express harmony, power, emotion, spirituality, and even rebellion.

This volume remains essential for readers interested in aesthetics, cultural history, and the intellectual foundations of Western art. On Beauty – A History of a Western Idea is both an authoritative reference and an absorbing visual journey, appealing equally to academic readers, collectors of art-related works, and anyone intrigued by how societies across history have understood what it means for something to be “beautiful.”