This 18th-century treatise explores the nature and causes of two distinct aesthetic concepts: the sublime and the beautiful. The author argues that the sublime is rooted in experiences of awe, terror, and vastness, which can overwhelm the senses and provoke a feeling of the greatness beyond human comprehension. In contrast, the beautiful is associated with qualities of harmony, smoothness, and gentleness, eliciting pleasure and affection. The work delves into the psychological responses these concepts evoke and examines their influence on art and society, establishing a framework that has influenced aesthetic theory and the philosophy of art.

The 6950th greatest book of all time