Books by Ben-Ami Scharfstein

States that the problems encountered with context are insoluble. This title explains why this problem lays an intellectual burden on us that, while remaining inescapable, can become so heavy it destroys the understanding it was created to further.

Combining a deep knowledge of psychology, cultural anthropology, art history, and the history of religions - not to mention philosophy, this book demonstrates the unpredictability of writing and thought and how they can teach us about our experiences.

Draws on neuroscience and psychology to understand the way we both perceive and conceive of art, including its resistance to verbal exposition. This book probes the distinction between accepting a tradition and defying it through innovation, which leads to a consideration of the notion of artistic genius.