Literary Theory From Plato to Barthes: An Introductory History - Softcover

Harland, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0333714229 ISBN 13: 9780333714225

Publisher: Palgrave, 1999

Synopsis

Where does the current explosion in literary theory come from? What earlier theoretical movements does it grow out of, bounce off, react against?
This introductory history homes in on the essential principles governing the major movements in literary theory, unfolding a comprehensive 'story' in all its jumps and swings and switches.
Because contemporary literary theory depends heavily upon European thinkers, the focus here is international; and because contemporary theory draws from many sources outside traditional 'literary criticism', the coverage also extends to philosophers, social theorists and linguists.
Harland looks behind particular critical judgements and interpretations in order to convey a core grasp of underlying positions. He explains the internal rationale of each position, along with its derivation and repercussions. At the same time, he shows how literary theory has taken on very different roles in different periods. He relates these different roles to particular socio-political settings, institutional contexts and creative practices.
Lucid and accessible, Literary Theory from Plato to Barthes is an invaluable aid for students seeking to make sense of contemporary literary theory.
Richard Harland is a Senior Fellow on the English Program at the University of Wollongong, Australia.

About this title

About the Author:

RICHARD HARLAND is Senior Fellow on the English Program at the University of Wollongong, Australia.

Review:

'Absorbing and illuminating...Literary Theory is ideal for students and lecturers who want to learn, or be reminded, that criticism was not invented sometime in the 1960s. Harland has included a time chart covering the major periods of criticism and a glossary. He ends his account with structuralism but promises a second volume that will cover 'the last 30 years'. I look forward to it.' - Times Higher Education Supplement 'Richard Harland's absorbing and illuminating Literary Theory from Plato to Barthes...draws frequent parallels between the past and the present...Literary Theory is ideal for students and lecturers who want to learn, or be reminded, that criticism was not invented, like sexual intercourse, sometime in the 1960s.' - Gary Day, Times Higher Education Supplement

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0333714229
• ISBN 13: 9780333714225
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320