Reality Through the Arts, 9th edition

Published by Pearson (February 3, 2025) © 2026

  • Dennis J. Sporre Elon University
  • Natalie Bisciglia Hillsborough Community College
  • M Michelle Slaughter

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eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138042363 (2025 update)

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eTextbook + Study & Exam Prep on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138042363 (2025 update)

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Purchasing Instructions

This form contains two groups of radio buttons, one for Exam Pack purchasing options, and one for standard purchasing options. Only one option can be chosen for purchase. Any option that is selected will deselect any previously selected purchase option.

eTextbook access on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138042363 (2025 update)

Unlock extra study tools in 19 subjects

eTextbook access + Study & Exam Prep monthly subscription on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780138042363 (2025 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
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Details

  • A print edition you can rent
  • Fulfilled by eCampus.com
  • Option to keep after rental expires

Title overview

Reality Through the Arts presents an accessible introduction to the humanities that fosters a lifetime relationship with the arts. First, the authors introduce the major artistic disciplines, exploring their technical characteristics as well as how we interact with them. Then, they present a chronological overview of artistic styles organized around geography.

The 9th Edition amplifies diverse voices by emphasizing the contributions of women and other previously underrepresented groups, as well as cultures from all global regions. New Focus On, Direct Connect and Interacting With features provide interesting, in-depth looks at each major artistic discipline, from painting to opera to dance. In addition, thoroughly revised images better bring the arts to life.

Table of contents

Part 1. The Media of the Arts: What Artists Use to Express Reality

  1. Two-Dimensional Art
  2. Three-Dimensional Art
  3. Architecture
  4. Music and Opera
  5. Literature
  6. Theater
  7. Film
  8. Dance

Part 2. The Styles of the Arts: How Artists Portray Reality

  1. Ancient Approaches
  2. Artistic Reflections in the Pre-Modern World
  3. Artistic Styles in the Emerging Modern World
  4. Artistry in an Age of Industry
  5. The Arts in a Changing World

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