Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction - Softcover

Ryan, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0631172769 ISBN 13: 9780631172765

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 1998

Synopsis

Michael Ryan's comprehensive textbook on the practice of literary theory demonstrates how the full panoply of theoretical approaches can be used to read the same texts.

About this title

Book Description

Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan's Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction. Second Edition picks up where such books as Terry Eagleton's celebrated Literary Theory: An Introduction and Peter Barry's Beginning Theory left off by providing actual readings from a variety of theoretical perspectives of the same literary texts. In this new edition key materials on 'Liberal Humanism, Archtypal Criticism, and Stylistics' and 'Rhetoric and Interpretation' have been added. The volume thus significantly augments the range of contemporary critical approaches represented, from Ethnic Studies to Historicism, from Queer Theory to Post-Modernism. Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction is ideal for use in introductory courses on literary theory and criticism. It contains accessible accounts of each theoretical approach, and it demonstrates how the same classic texts can be read differently from different theoretical perspectives. It is designed both as a stand-alone text or one that can be especially usefully used in conjunction with Rivkin and Ryans's Literary Theory: An Anthology. Second Edition.

From the Back Cover

Michael Ryan’s Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction picks up where Terry Eagleton’s celebrated Literary Theory: An Introduction left off by providing actual readings from a variety of theoretical perspectives at the same literary texts. Drawing on the full range of contemporary critical approaches, from Ethic Studies to Historicism, Queer Theory to Post-Modernism, Ryan reads Shakespeare’s King Lear, James’s "The Aspern Papers," Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and Elizabeth Bishop’s poetry.

The book is ideal for use in introductory courses on literary theory and criticism. It contains accessible accounts of each theoretical approach, and it demonstrates how the same classic texts can be read differently from different theoretical perspectives. Using Ryan’s models and his "suggestions for reading," students can pursue their own readings of these classic texts and develop the own skills at practicing literary theory.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0631172769
• ISBN 13: 9780631172765
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160