'Ideals in Art: Papers Theoretical, Practical, Critical' is a collection of essays by Walter Crane that offer valuable insights on the relationship between art and life. Addressed primarily to art workers, these papers cover a wide range of topics, from the influence of modern social and economic conditions on the sense of beauty, to the progress of taste in dress and the design of book covers. Crane's practical advice on house decoration and temporary street decorations is also included, along with a note on gesso work and the use of gilding in decoration. With illustrations and examples from history, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the social and ethical bearings of art and offers readers a fresh perspective on the meaning and importance of ornament.