Fresh, original and compelling, An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory is the essential guide to literary studies.
Starting at ‘the beginning’ and concluding with ‘the end’, the book covers topics that range from the familiar (character, narrative, the author) to the more unusual (secrets, pleasure, ghosts). Eschewing abstract isms, Bennett and Royle successfully illuminate complex ideas by engaging directly with literary works – so that a reading of Jane Eyre opens up ways of thinking about racial difference, whilst Chaucer, Raymond Chandler and Monty Python are all invoked in a discussion of literary laughter.
This third edition of Hans Bertens’ bestselling book is an essential guide to the often confusing and complicated world of literary theory. Exploring a broad range of topics from Marxist and feminist criticism to postmodernism and new historicism Literary Theory: The Basics covers contemporary topics including: reception theory and reader response theory the new criticism of postmodernism the ‘after theory’ debate post-humanism, biopolitics and animal studies aesthetics
Alternative Shakespeares, published in 1985, shook up the world of Shakespearean studies, demythologising Shakespeare and applying new theories to the study of his work. Alternative Shakespeares: Volume 2 investigates Shakespearean criticism over a decade later, introducing new debates and new theorists into the frame.
Barron's Inc. is one of America's leading publishers of education and business information. Barron's Booknotes are the company's popular guides to great works of literature. The Booknotes are an excellent aid for students as well as for anyone interested in hearing another voice or perspective as they read the classics.
Each Booknote guide is written by a respected academic and/or educator and includes classic literary criticism of the work in question, a biography of the author, the author's life and work in the context of the times, and detailed analyses of plot, character, and the literary qualities of the work.
Literary Criticism from Plato to the Present provides a concise and authoritative overview of the development of Western literary criticism and theory from the Classical period to the present day
An indispensable and intellectually stimulating introduction to the history of literary criticism and theory
Introduces the major movements, figures, and texts of literary criticism
Provides historical context and shows the interconnections between various theories
An ideal text for all students of literature and criticism
