The book builds from the premise that Marxism is (or better, Marxisms are) a legitimate standpoint that has its tradition, as well as place and role in society. The basic contention in the debate is whether a Marxist aesthetics exists or not, whether it is possible. Yet, indirectly, the debate revolves around the issue of autonomy of art. Accordingly, the author looks at both Marxist and non-Marxist viewpoints about the possibility of a specifically Marxist aesthetics. On the other hand, the book deals with the question whether a Marxist art criticism is possible, and whether it is bound to Marxist aesthetics.