Reality Through the Arts, 9th edition

Published by Pearson (3 February 2025) © 2026

  • Dennis J. Sporre Elon University
  • Natalie Bisciglia Hillsborough Community College
  • M Michelle Slaughter
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In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.
 
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.
 
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

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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