Representations in visual arts and fiction play an important part in our lives and culture. Walton presents here a theory of the nature of representation, which illuminates its many varieties and goes a long way toward explaining its importance. Walton's theory also provides solutions to thorny philosophical problems concerning the existence of fictitious beings. Throughout, his analysis is illustrated by a rich array of examples drawn from literature, painting, sculpture, theatre, and film.

肯达尔•L. 沃尔顿（1939- ），现为美国密歇根大学哲学系和艺术与设计学院教授，2003－2005年任美国美学学会会长。主要著作：《扮假作真的模仿:再现艺术基础》（哈佛大学出版社，1990）、《非凡的图像：价值和艺术论》（牛津大学出版社，2008）等。