Thank you to all our backers for helping us reach our target.
Introducing A New Dictionary of Art
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A New Dictionary of Art is an addictively compelling and magnetically readable compilation of over 3000 definitions of Art found online. Every conceivable opinion is here, lovingly edited and meticulously annotated to the point of absurdity, creating a wonderfully energising summation of all the potentials that Art can be.
If you have ever wondered what Art is all about, this streetwise cacophony of headstrong opinion, witty insight and heartfelt passion will provide you with as many answers as you need.
'Wierdly but powerfully provocative … one of the most useful things I’ve read in a while’ - John Clark, painter.
The Essential New Work of Reference
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A New Dictionary of Art provides essential reading for students and art lovers, and everyone who has an interest in the world of contemporary art theory, popular culture and the philosophy of aesthetics. A thought-provoking and engaging new look at the world of Art.
A Wide-Ranging Foreword
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In a wide-ranging and thought-provoking foreword, philosopher Derek Matravers situates A New Dictionary of Art in the wider context of modernism, list-making and eccentricity, observing that 'it sets hares running about (amongst other things) the nature of dictionaries, the nature of philosophy, the role of scholarly apparatus, the nature of artistic work, and the point of art and indeed of any human endeavour.'
Professor Matravers concludes that 'as one reads through the definitions – some good, some terrible, some po-faced, some vulgar abuse – one is awe-struck at the thought that someone went to the trouble of assembling all this. Robert Good needs to take his place in the long and distinguished list of obsessive, eccentric collectors who have done so much to brighten the world.'
Derek Matravers is a Fellow of Darwin College, Cambridge and Professor of Philosophy & Aesthetics at the Open University,
'Should be required reading for every student’ - Professor Derek Matravers, philosopher.
A Brand New Cover
The video shows the prototype copy that was made early on as part of the design process. The text pages and size have since been tweaked and refined and, when published, the Dictionary will boast a brand new cover, beautifully designed by Jane Glennie:
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Dictionary Specification
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Finished to high production standards, the New Dictionary comprises:
- Numbered and signed first edition, limited to 300 paperback and 50 hardback copies
- Full colour, high quality matt laminated cover
- End flaps (paperback)
- Full colour dustjacket (hardback)
- 246 pages
- 7x5 inches
Dictionary Contents
Dip inside the dictionary to find:
- 3557 definitions, fully edited, alphabetised and annotated
- Foreword by Professor Derek Matravers
- Introduction by Robert Good
- Full list of Abbreviations Used in the Dictionary
- Detailed Guide to Pronunciation
About Peculiarity Press
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Peculiarity Press is an imprint set up by Jane Glennie, an artist and typographer who works with installation and poetry film, while remaining fervent on the finer points of typesetting. Jane studied Typography and Graphic Communication at Reading University, then took her Masters in Art and Space at Kingston University, graduating with distinction in 2016.
'I am very pleased to be collaborating with artist Robert Good - to design and publish A New Dictionary of Art - a first for both of us' - Jane Glennie.
We Need Your Help!
After three years of painstaking research and development, artist and editor Robert Good and designer Jane Glennie are finally ready to roll the presses.
But we need your help. Your pledges and support will help us to pay for the setup costs, design, print and launch of the first limited edition run of top quality softback and hardback copies. And beyond that, we'd love to distribute a second edition into art galleries, bookshops and museums across the country.
How to Order Your Copy
To order your copy, simply browse our list of 'Perks' and click on the book format that is right for you. And please tell your friends on social media too. Let's roll the presses and bring A New Dictionary of Art to life!
Thank you so much for your support
Robert Good artist
Jane Glennie artist and designer, Peculiarity Press
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