Table of Contents

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

About the Author

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

Reviews

“As timely as ever.”
*The Nation*

"An interesting, suggestive overview of just how art worlds do function."
*Kirkus Reviews*

"Unusual and excellent. . . . Discusses everything from aesthetics, criticism, censorship, artistic mavericks, and professionalism to authenticity, conformity, commercial distribution, and changes in art. . . . Fascinating."
*Christian Science Monitor*

"The clearest, most articulate, elegant, and coherent sociology of art to appear in a long time."
*American Journal of Sociology*

"This is an important book, very well written, beautifully produced, and bound to be much read and talked about in the world of sociology."
*Social Forces*