Literary Theory

<DIV><P>“This concise and lucid volume offers a satisfying survey of all the major theories, from structuralism in the 1960s to deconstruction today, that have made academic criticism both intriguing and off-putting to the outsider.” -New York Times Book Review</I></P><P> </I></P><P>“Literary Theory</I> has the kind of racy readability that one associates more often with English critics who have set their faces resolutely against theory. It’s not just a brilliant polemical essay; it’s also a remarkable feat of condensation, explication, and synthesis.” -Sunday Times </I>(London)</P><P> </P><P>“A concise guide to the most interesting and mystifying trends in the study of literature over the last fifty years.” -The Nation</I></P><P> </P><P>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</I> has become the introduction of choice for anyone interested in learning about the world of contemporary literary thought. </P><P> </P><P>On the twenty-fifth anniversary of Literary Theory</I>’s debut, Terry Eagleton reflects on the state of theory in academia today, the growth of antitheory (itself an interesting theoretical subject), its common-if problematic-place among survey coursework, and theory’s continued relevance to scholarly pursuits. In this contemporary, retrospective moment, as scholars critically analyze the incredibly broad impact of the theoretical movement, Literary Theory </I>remains an essential initiation to the intellectually stimulating world of theoretical analysis.</P><P> </P><P>Terry Eagleton is John Edward Taylor professor of English literature at the University of Manchester. His numerous books include The Meaning of Life, How to Read a Poem,</I> and After Theory.</I></P></DIV>