The book investigates the nature and reconstruction of aesthetics in the context of social and political change. Agnes Heller, a prominent philosopher, examines how aesthetic principles are shaped by and, in turn, influence societal structures. The work delves into the historical evolution of aesthetic thought, particularly in relation to modernity and its discontents, drawing upon a range of philosophical and sociological traditions to build her argument.

Agnes Heller's work on aesthetics is generally regarded as a significant contribution to social theory and philosophy. Her approach, which links aesthetic experience to broader social and political contexts, has been influential in understanding the role of art and culture in society. The book is noted for its intellectual rigor and its attempt to provide a framework for understanding aesthetic phenomena beyond purely formalist concerns.