In "The Death of the Artist," William Deresiewicz embarks on a compelling journey into the heart of today's artistic struggle, navigating the turbulent waters between the digital economy's promise and its perilous realities. With the precision of a seasoned critic and the depth of a passionate advocate, Deresiewicz lays bare the dichotomy of our era: the Silicon Valley narrative that heralds an unprecedented era of accessibility and creative democracy, against the stark lived experiences of artists scrambling for sustenance in a landscape where their work is devalued and overlooked. Through vivid interviews and acute analysis, Deresiewicz's investigation reveals an epochal shift in the way art is made, consumed, and sustained, challenging the very notions of what it means to be an artist in the digital age. This book is not merely a critique but a warning and a call to action, illuminating the dark corners of a system that threatens to undermine the cultural, social, and economic foundations of artistic creation. "The Death of the Artist" confronts the romantic myths surrounding artistic life with the harsh economic realities of the digital marketplace. Deresiewicz's narrative is a crucial discourse for anyone vested in the future of art—artists, consumers, and policymakers alike—offering not just a sobering examination of the present challenges but also a hopeful glance towards potential solutions. In doing so, it asks us to reconsider what we value in art and what we are willing to do to protect the creators who enrich our lives and societies.