On Ugliness
by Umberto Eco
On Ugliness by Umberto Eco holds a well received rating of 3.88 out of 5, based on 12.7K reader ratings. First published in 2007. The book spans 456 pages.
About On Ugliness
In the mold of his acclaimed "History of Beauty," renowned cultural critic Umberto Eco's "On Ugliness" is an exploration of the monstrous and the repellant in visual culture and the arts. What is the voyeuristic impulse behind our attraction to the gruesome and the horrible? Where does the magnetic appeal of the sordid and the scandalous come from? Is ugliness also in the eye of the beholder?Eco's encyclopedic knowledge and captivating storytelling skills combine in this ingenious study of the Ugly, revealing that what we often shield ourselves from and shun in everyday life is what we're most attracted to subliminally. Topics range from Milton's Satan to Goethe's Mephistopheles; from witchcraft and medieval torture tactics to martyrs, hermits, and penitents; from lunar births and disemboweled corpses to mythic monsters and sideshow freaks; and from Decadentism and picturesque ugliness to the tacky, kitsch, and camp, and the aesthetics of excess and vice. With abundant examples of painting and sculpture ranging from ancient Greek amphorae to Bosch, Brueghel, and Goya among others, and with quotations from the most celebrated writers and philosophers of each age, this provocative discussion explores in-depth the concepts of evil, depravity, and darkness in art and literature.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Umberto Eco |
| Published | 2007 |
| Pages | 456 |
| Genres | Arts & Photography, Non-Fiction, Philosophy, History |
| Average Rating | 3.88 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 12,728 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is On Ugliness?
On Ugliness is categorized as Arts & Photography, Non-Fiction, Philosophy, History. Its primary genre classification is Philosophy.
Is On Ugliness worth reading?
Based on 12.7K reader ratings, On Ugliness has an average score of 3.88 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is On Ugliness?
On Ugliness has 456 pages.
Who wrote On Ugliness?
On Ugliness was written by Umberto Eco. It was first published in 2007.
What is the ISBN for On Ugliness?
The ISBN-13 for On Ugliness is 9780847829870.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
