Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction

By Michael Ryan

Book Overview

Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction, Third Edition, presents a comprehensive introduction to the full range of contemporary approaches to the study of literature and culture, from formalism, structuralism, and historicism to ethnic, gender, and science studies. Introduces students to a variety of contemporary approaches to the study of literature and culture Demonstrates how the varying perspectives on texts can lead to different interpretations of the same work Features numerous updates that include new literary texts, new and expanded sections Represents the ideal accompaniment to the upcoming Third Edition of Literary Theory: An Anthology

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 111906175X
• ISBN13: 9781119061755
• Release Date: March 2017
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating and readable introduction to 'theory'

Increasingly, movement towards interdisciplinary study and the cross-over of knowledge across disciplines is allowing for a rise in viewing 'theory' or 'theories' as a whole. A look at the various theories that Ryan deals with in his introduction illustrates this point: Marxism, Feminism, Postmodernism, Deconstruction - these are not merely 'literary' theories, but offer insights into (and critiques of) broader areas: language, society, history, knowledge and reality, the human condition and meaning. This means that the student of literary criticism gains knowledge that not only relates to how to read books and interpret texts, but on general theories that pertain to human action and social interaction.Keeping this in mind, Ryan's book can be an introduction into different ways of looking at the world, one that might open up new avenues for thinkers in many different areas, even if literary criticism is not your primary interest. Actually, this work was highly recommended to me by an esteemed historian friend, and my own background is in history and theology, not literature.