The Necessity of Art
Ernest Fischer


One of the twentieth century’s most influential books on art, with a new introduction by the author of Ways of Seeing

Reissued with an introduction by John Berger, The Necessity of Art is a beautifully written meditation on art’s importance in viewing the world in which we live. In this wide-ranging and erudite exploration of literary and fine art, Fischer looks at the relationship between art and social reality, arguing that truthful art must both reflect reality in all its flaws and imperfections, and help show how change and improvement might be brought about.