"This is the first book to discuss KITSCH -- with sympathy. The concept of kitsch was seriously present in the discourse of the thirties, significantly through such critics as Hermann Broch, Clement Greenberg and Theodor W. Adorno. At this time, the art world conceived of kitsch as a threat. Whereas art has now finally won total public control, kitsch has become a concept of 'bad taste.' The kitsch of today aspires to become an alternative to art -- not as a domineering concept -- but as an enrichment together with art, and as a means for artists and critics to find an expression which expands our culture. Perhaps art historians may attain the freedom to interpret other values, transcending the strict criteria of art." -- full text of the back cover.