What is ugly? One of the leading cultural commentators of our times, Stephen Bayley, takes us on a journey of discovery by skilfully weaving centuries of art and design history into a discourse on the nature of beauty...and its polar opposite, ugly. Is ugliness only skin-deep, or can something that is outwardly beautiful - a B52 bomber or a Colt.45 - also be ugly, if its function is to kill or to maim? What was "Degenerate Art" and why was it deemed such? Why are mountains seen as sublime expressions of nature, when only two hundred years ago they were regarded as loathsome things to be avoided at all costs? Why on earth is there a contest for "The Ugliest Dog in the World"? If there was no ugly in the world, would there be any beauty? Stephen Bayley in his engaging and at times tongue-in-cheek style answers these questions to reveal...well you just need to read this beautifully illustrated book to find out the ugly truth!
- ISBN10 1906863474
- ISBN13 9781906863470
- Publish Date 10 October 2012
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 24 March 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Welbeck Publishing Group
- Imprint Fiell Publishing Limited
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 272
- Language English