This collection investigates the fundamental ontological and metaphysical status of artworks, specifically focusing on how music and art are defined, interpreted, and experienced. Jerrold Levinson, a prominent figure in contemporary aesthetics, compiles his most influential essays to construct a rigorous framework for understanding the properties of art. He utilizes analytical philosophy to address complex questions regarding the nature of aesthetic response and the logic behind evaluating creative works. The text serves as a comprehensive examination of the intersection between metaphysical inquiry and artistic practice.

Experts and scholars in the field of aesthetics frequently cite this collection as a foundational text for understanding contemporary art theory. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a strong background in philosophical discourse to fully grasp the arguments presented.