is there a text in this class? the authority of interpretive communities

It is a great...pleasure these days to find a critic willing to discuss language, literature, reading, writing, and the community of readers on the understanding that the reader plays a real part in the production of his experience. -- Denis Donoghue "Times Literary Supplement" No bare summary of his conclusions can do justice to the brilliance of his analyses..."Is There a Text in This Class?" is a substantial achievement which deserves the serious consideration of all students of literature. Its arguments are cogent, forceful and engaging, its style witty, personable and unpretentious, and its analyses are just, incisive and economical. Most important, the theory it advocates is provocative, comprehensive and, I believe, true.