http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/816492

Elements of criticism with the author's last corrections and additions

"With respect to the present undertaking, it is not the author's intention to compose a regular treatise upon each of the fine arts; but only, in general, to exhibit their fundamental principles, drawn from human nature, the true source of criticism. The fine arts are intended to entertain us, by making pleasant impressions; and, by that circumstance, are distinguished from the useful arts. But in order to make pleasant impressions, we ought to know what objects are naturally agreeable, and what naturally disagreeable. That subject is here attempted, as far as necessary for unfolding the genuine principles of the fine arts; and the author assumes no merit from his performance, but that of evincing that these principles, as well as every just rule of criticism, are founded upon the sensitive part of our nature. The author also attempts to explain the nature of Man, considered as a sensitive being capable of pleasure and pain"--Introduction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).

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