Art Worlds, 25th Anniversary Edition

This classic sociological examination of art as collective action explores the cooperative network of suppliers, performers, dealers, critics, and consumers who—along with the artist—"produce" a work of art. Howard S. Becker looks at the conventions essential to this operation and, prospectively, at the extent to which art is shaped by this collective activity. The book is thoroughly illustrated and updated with a new dialogue between Becker and eminent French sociologist Alain Pessin about the extended social system in which art is created, and with a new preface in which the author talks about his own process in creating this influential work.

Howard S. Becker is author of many books including Telling About Society, Writing for Social Scientists, and Outsiders.

List of Illustrations
Preface to the 25th Anniversary Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgments

1 Art Worlds and Collective Activity
2 Conventions
3 Mobilizing Resources
4 Distributing Art Works
5 Aesthetics, Aestheticians, and Critics
6 Art and the State
7 Editing
8 Integrated Professionals, Mavericks, Folk Artists,
and Naive Artists
9 Arts and Crafts
10 Change in Art Worlds
11 Reputation
12 Epilogue to the 25th Anniversary Edition

Bibliography
Index