This first volume of the collected writings of sociologist Leo Lowenthal delves into his seminal theoretical and historical explorations on the relationship between art and mass culture. Central to this work is the development of a theory of the role of communication in modern society, as presented within the Communication in Society Series. Through this volume, Lowenthal elucidates the foundational elements for understanding the concept of mass culture, challenging the notion that it emerged exclusively from contemporary industrial and bourgeois contexts. Instead, he traces its roots back to medieval and ancient societies, revealing a nuanced interplay between “high” esoteric culture and the more accessible “low” culture of the masses. This book is essential reading for scholars and students interested in the evolution and impact of mass culture on society.