Literary Theory: The Basics - Tapa dura

"Literary Theory: The Basics could not be more timely as we move from the theory revolution into a new phase of close reading and cultural analysis of literary texts. This lucid, thorough, and intelligent survey of twentieth century literary criticism is absolutely essential for advanced students of English and American literature. Bertens has distilled a library of learning into a rich compact volume that will be a handbook of the field for the next ten years at least."-Emory Elliott, University of California, Riverside "A comprehensive and enjoyable overview: unlike other recent primers it is accessible without being reductive."-Peter Childs, author of "Modernism "Clear, vigorous and often creatively provocative, Hans Bertens's historical overview of western literary theory is one of the very best introductions currently available. What is particularly important about Literary Theory is the way in which it brings theory back to practice, rather than allowing it to remain a discrete and distant object of study in the rarefied heights of academe. The historical spread from Arnold to queer theory is remarkable, and Bertens never allows his gaze to waver, his ear to grow deaf or his judgement to be clouded. A book to read over and over."-Michael Worton, Vice-Provost and Fielden Professor of French Language and Literature, UCL "Literary Theory: the Basics is an excellent book for students - its definitions are clear, its examples are always to the point, and often humorous. It's always stimulating and challenging without condescending to the reader. It would be quite genuinely my preferred text book for early critical theory."-Christopher Butler, Christ Church, Oxford

Providing the ideal first step in understanding the often bewildering world of literary theory, this text is an easy to follow and clearly presented introduction to this fascinating area.