/lit/ - Literature

Are there any artists or philosophers who talk about the Ideal in art and what a great work of art should strive for to be considered great or genius? I realized I don't really know the answer and I was just basing my idea of greatness in works of art based on what I enjoyed and I'd like a better understanding of why something is great and lasting instead of just good.

Anyone want to talk about the book Human Accomplishment? It's a great book. Quickest 700 pages I ever read. People have problems with his methodology but that's usually people who don't read the book because he explains everything perfectly and answers every possible argument against his methodology. I wish there were more statistical historical books like this but I couldn't find much.