How many of us have stood before famous paintings only to realize, with quiet panic, that we can"t work out what the fuss is all about? What do we do-beyond just staring-to get the most out of art? How do we come to develop an attachment to individual works and find them fascinating? How do they come to matter to us? While many teachers and critics have diligently directed attention to questions in art history, theory, or criticism, John Armstrong, in a powerful and original shift of focus, considers the roots of our personal attachment to art. Perhaps this most neglected aspect of thinking about art is also the most important. Moving easily between the intimacies of personal experience and lucid, philosophical reflection, Armstrong acts as a sensitive and persuasive guide.