Kitsch: The World of Bad Taste - 1969

In this seminal exploration of aesthetic degradation, renowned Italian philosopher and critic Gillo Dorfles gathers together a penetrating analysis of kitsch—that peculiar territory where art meets mass production, authenticity confronts sentimentality, and cultural value battles commercial appeal. Far from a simple dismissal of "bad taste," Dorfles constructs a sophisticated framework for understanding kitsch as a complex cultural phenomenon that reflects profound shifts in modern society. Dorfles traces kitsch through various artistic disciplines and everyday objects, examining how it manifests in architecture, literature, music, religion, and politics. He investigates the sociological conditions that give rise to kitsch, the psychological comfort it provides, and its relationship to consumer culture and mass media. Throughout, his contributors challenge readers to consider how the boundaries between genuine artistic expression and its commercial imitation have become increasingly blurred in contemporary life. Originally published in Italian and now considered a foundational text in aesthetic theory, Dorfles' incisive study remains startlingly relevant in our era of digital reproduction, nostalgic recycling, and curated authenticity. T Kitsch: The World of Bad Taste - Gillo Dorfles Published 1969, Bell Publishing Co. Hardcover. Approx. 7x9.5in. 313pp. Dustjacket has wear and tear particularly on top edge. Book itself in good vintage condition.