Literary Theory: An Introduction (Second Edition)

A quarter of a century on from its original publication, Literary Theory: An Introduction still conjures the subversion, excitement and exoticism that characterized theory through the 1960s and 70s, when it posed an unprecedented challenge to the literary establishment. Eagleton has added a new preface to this anniversary edition to address more recent developments in literary studies, including what he describes as “the growth of a kind of anti-theory”, and the idea that literary theory has been institutionalized. Insightful and enlightening, Literary Theory: An Introduction remains the essential guide to the field. 25th Anniversary Edition of Terry Eagleton's classic introduction to literary theory First published in 1983, and revised in 1996 to include material on developments in feminist and cultural theory Has served as an inspiration to generations of students and teachers Continues to function as arguably the definitive undergraduate textbook on literary theory Reissue includes a new foreword by Eagleton himself, reflecting on the impact and enduring success of the book, and on developments in literary theory since it was first published Contents......Page 6 Preface to the Second Edition......Page 8 Preface......Page 10 Introduction: What is Literature?......Page 12 1 The Rise of English......Page 26 2 Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Reception Theory......Page 58 3 Structuralism and Semiotics......Page 90 4 Post-Structuralism......Page 121 5 Psychoanalysis......Page 142 Conclusion: Political Criticism......Page 180 Afterword......Page 201 Notes......Page 220 Bibliography......Page 228 B......Page 235 D......Page 236 F......Page 237 I......Page 238 L......Page 239 M......Page 240 P......Page 241 R......Page 242 S......Page 243 T......Page 244 Y......Page 245 This classic work covers all of the major movements in literary studies in this century. Noted for its clear, engaging style and unpretentious treatment, Literary Theory has become the introduction of choice for anyone interested in learning about the world of contemporary literary thought. Helps readers to understand what literature is and what it is for. This book addresses the developments in literary studies, including what the author describes as 'the growth of a kind of anti-theory', and the idea that literary theory has been institutionalized. In eighteenth-century England, the concept of literature was not confined as it sometimes is today to 'creative' or 'imaginative' writing. Terry Eagleton. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [209]-223) And Index.