This new edition of the classic guide offers a thorough and accessible introduction to contemporary critical theory. It provides in-depth coverage ...
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reviews
Sep 19, 2008
Sarah
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Tyson's introduction to critical theory is very useful. She provides excellent overviews of the types of theories popular in English studies today, and she does a good job of showing the strong and weak points of each. The text is quite readable and well-written, though it does become repetitive at times. Each chapter includes a reading of The Great Gatsby in the style of the theory she has discussed.
Oct 03, 2007
Scott
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This book basically takes the complex jargon of theorists and puts it in exceptionally easy terms. It is almost disappointingly easy, in the sense that you lose the style of the original theorists. Still, it's helpful for overarching concepts and terms. At the end of each section, Tyson uses the theory discussed in that chapter in an essay on The Great Gatsby, allowing one to see the theory applied.
Dec 06, 2007
Patrick
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This is the only book I've seen that actually lays out what each theory is, in plain language, and how it works and how to apply it. A very useful tool - however, it is just as its title states, an introduction only. More in-depth use of theory should be sought elsewhere, but this is a great way to get a clear understanding of the theories whose authors seem so resistant to setting out clear roadmaps for.
Dec 16, 2009
Anne-Marie
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Wonderful guide to literary criticism (Psychoanalytical, Marxist, Feminist, New Criticism, Reader-response, Deconstructive, New historical and cultural, Lesbian/gay/queer, African American, and Postcolonial. Each theory is explained clearly, has discussion questions, and short essay interpreting Great Gatsby through that theory lens.
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Jun 17, 2010
Laura
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The sub-title is accurate. This is truly a "user-friendly guide." I was a member of the Nerdy Folk tribe who enjoyed literary theory in college, but reading de Saussure, Bakhtin, or Cixous made for some stressful late-night reading. This book takes complex theory and makes it clear and easy to understand immediately. A very helpful source for the uninitiated.
Jul 08, 2009
Michelle
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Lois Tyson is the sweetest person you will ever meet and one of the most knowledgable. This book is written exactly how she talks, and it will teach you everything you need to know about critical theory. I was so lucky to use this book in a class taught by her. Amazing read for anyone who wants to learn about the topic!
Apr 28, 2009
Loo
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This author gave a wonderfully concise and understandable overview of most major critical theories. If you want to learn about the different lenses to view literature through, this is a perfect introduction.
May 20, 2011
Leslie
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This book is the backbone of the literary criticism section of my personal library.
Sep 02, 2010
Frank
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An excellent introduction to a variety of perspectives on critical theory
Jul 06, 2011
Daniel
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★★☆☆☆ — Two stars because it's very informative, just not very useful. Imagine reading a chapters-long flowery essay about critical thinking. Meh.
Nov 06, 2010
Niratisaya
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Thank you to Ms. Pratiwi, I can read this e-book. Still on the process of reading, but it was a blast of help when I had to deal with the Literary Criticism class, though I haven't really understand all, but at least I'm not as blind as I was before. Good book, and it is a user-friendly guide
Dec 12, 2008
Shelley
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By far the most helpful book assigned to me by my graduate program. This has influenced both my teaching and my reading of literature. Such a great resource, and, like the book boasts, totally reader-friendly. This comes highly recommended!
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Jul 02, 2011
Heather
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As far as textbooks go, it's actually very interesting. The examples given are easily understandable, and for once, textbook jargon has been traded for the language of the lay man.
Oct 27, 2008
Jennifer
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This is the book that reads Gatsby through every theoretical lens. Very interesting, and accessible, introduction to theory. I'm using it in a class this semester.
Dec 17, 2009
Nora
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Tyson writes clear, concise summaries of the major theories of literary criticism. Very helpful for those attempting a better understanding of literary theory.
Jan 22, 2008
Darrin
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A terrific text if you're teaching, or want to get an understanding of, literary theory. Very 'user-friendly,' as the title suggests.
Dec 17, 2009
Deepthi
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This book is an excellent introduction to critical theory, though I do wish it didn't conjure up computer-speak in the title.
Jul 22, 2008
Amanda
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One of the best books on critical theory. Easy and accessible, it's helped me write many an A paper.
Jul 13, 2008
I'm scared of literary theory. A friend of mine suggested this as a nice introduction/primer.
May 28, 2008
So far, this has been one of the most useful and accessible texts I've ever used.
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