Subject matter consists of representational arts in the broadest sense, architecture, sculpture, painting, and other man-made objects with no limits as to time, place, or cultural environment.

Kaplan covers a wide range of topics connected with the arts. He compares the sociological approach with other approaches to art--philosophical, historical, geographical--and discusses the processes connected with art as an institution. Kaplan contrasts the roles of creators, distributors, educators and the public, and suggests further applications and research for each. He notes that the nature of art demands an international approach because art has often been produced, distributed, and appreciated without regard to national boundaries. ISBN 0-8386-3355-2: $38.50.