Information for LibrariansAbout Aristos
Founded in 1982, Aristos is a journal with a unique perspective on the arts. Three successive editions of Magazines for Libraries have judged Aristos to be indispensable to any comprehensive research collection.
Today's leading art periodicals give respectful consideration to every variety of modernist or postmodernist work--from "abstract" painting and sculpture to so-called Pop art, installation art, video art, and conceptual art. At the same time, they largely ignore the work of twentieth-century artists who adhere to premodernist standards. Here is a partial list of such periodicals:
No doubt your collection includes most of these titles--and others like them. Only one professionally recognized journal argues that none of the reputed art forms noted above is art, and also champions neglected traditional artists of the twentieth century:
Aristos holds the same uncompromising view with regard to avant-garde "experiments" in fiction, poetry, music, dance, and theater as it does with regard to those in the visual arts.
Should Aristos be in your library? We think so, but don't take our word for it. Consider the following recommendations from your peers at Library Journal and Magazines for Libraries:
"The value is there, particularly as the point of view is unique . . . controversial and combative."
--Bill Katz, Library Journal, May 15, 1988
"Although its format is that of a six-page newsletter, Aristos is actually a journal . . . with a unique point of view. Encompassing the literary, performing, and fine arts . . ., it seeks to promote the traditional values of the past in its dedication 'to an artistic spirit which projects and celebrates the best and noblest aspects of man and his universe.' Hence, its title is derived from the Greek for 'best, finest.' It is dedicated to encouraging and promoting twentieth-century artists, scholars, and critics whose work reflects a dedication to the humanistic traditions of the past and to preserving the artistic values from the periods that most fully exemplify its editorial philosophy--classical Greece, the Renaissance, Baroque, and the nineteenth century. Aristos is not just a passive, idealistic publication; it vigorously challenges modernist scholars and critics. . . . A scholarly but gutsy little periodical that, because it argues an unfashionable thesis, should be part of serious, large art history collections."* [Emphasis added.] (Aud: Ga. Ac. Sa.)
--Magazines for Libraries, 6th ed. (1989)
"Aristos looks like a negligible newsletter, but its [feature articles carry] more weight than those found in more substantial periodicals. It is a journal with an editorial policy dedicated to preserving the best of the humanistic tradition in art historical scholarship that continuously challenges modern art history. By offering a different viewpoint in research, Aristos is a necessary adjunct to any good research collection."* [Emphasis added.] (Aud: Ga. Ac. Sa.)
--Magazines for Libraries, 7th & 8th eds. (1993, 1997)
*NOTE: Aristos covers the literary and performing arts and music, as well as the visual arts. It also deals with the philosophy of art and with promoting objective standards in arts scholarship and criticism. For the full range of subjects covered, see our complete annotated Table of Contents.
Our subscribers include the following cultural and educational institutions:
We invite you to join these leading institutions in adding Aristos to your periodical collection.
Please note that our title is Aristos. "The Journal of Esthetics" is purely descriptive; it is not a subtitle.
IndexesARTbibliographies Modern abstracts our articles on the visual arts and esthetic theory. All of our articles are indexed in the American Humanities Index. Both references cover all the issues of Aristos, beginning with Volume 1, Number 1.
Periodical directoriesAristos (ISSN 0737-0407) is listed in the following: