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93rd out of 478 books
—
84 voters
Beginning Theory
by
Peter Barry
In this second edition of "Beginning Theory," the variety of approaches, theorists, and technical language is lucidly and expertly unraveled and explained, and allows readers to develop their own ideas once first principles have been grasped. Expanded and updated from the original edition first published in 1995, Peter Barry has incorporated all of the recent developments...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
September 7th 2002
by Manchester University Press
(first published January 1st 1995)
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FRANK
In 1959 Frank Sinatra recorded his great version of Cole Porter’s “What is this thing called Critical Theory?” 36 years later Peter Barry explains that it’s a network of ideas developed in the 60s, 70s and 80s which challenged the status quo of liberal humanism and made flesh that haunting phrase from Marx : “all that is solid melts into the air”. Critical theory puts you wise. You thought you had an identity? That, like, you were a YOU? Guess again - you don’t. Sorry bout that. Yeah, I kno...more
In 1959 Frank Sinatra recorded his great version of Cole Porter’s “What is this thing called Critical Theory?” 36 years later Peter Barry explains that it’s a network of ideas developed in the 60s, 70s and 80s which challenged the status quo of liberal humanism and made flesh that haunting phrase from Marx : “all that is solid melts into the air”. Critical theory puts you wise. You thought you had an identity? That, like, you were a YOU? Guess again - you don’t. Sorry bout that. Yeah, I kno...more
Beginning Theory offers the literary studies student a fantastic primer to help navigate the often convoluted and complex domain of literary theory. Barry shows us that theory need not be daunting, and successfully manages to convey difficult concepts in a voice that is consistently conversational, and never dry. I appreciated his occasional interjection of self for the way in which it humanised the text. The book covers all the major theoretical approaches from Structuralism, through Psychoanal...more
This is an excellent introduction to literary theory. The different brands thereof are explained clearly in brief, easy-to-follow chapters.
My only complaint would be about the chapters on Feminist Criticism and Gay/Lesbian Criticism. I don't think either of these topics was covered well, as if Barry himself didn't fully understand the implications of their philosophical approach. Barry is British, so this might simply be because of a disconnect between the American version of Feminist Criticism...more
My only complaint would be about the chapters on Feminist Criticism and Gay/Lesbian Criticism. I don't think either of these topics was covered well, as if Barry himself didn't fully understand the implications of their philosophical approach. Barry is British, so this might simply be because of a disconnect between the American version of Feminist Criticism...more
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This is another one of those books I looked at to see if it might be the right text book for my students. I'd pretty much already decided on this book before I read it, and nothing here changes my mind-- it's pretty lucid, does a good enough job of breaking down the component parts of the theory, and offers at least a semblance of application for each section.
There are a couple things that I'd like, though: I wish that Barry were more on board with the idea of giving us some terminology that can...more
There are a couple things that I'd like, though: I wish that Barry were more on board with the idea of giving us some terminology that can...more
This was very readable and easy to understand. The examples were interesting and the writing was engaging. I imagine this is probably the best beginning book on theory you're going to find. While it was easy to understand, it's not patronizing or too simple. I wasn't a fan of most of the stop and think sections in the book, they are fine to read but I had no inclination to do the suggested activities nor did I feel that they would help my understanding one jot, but that is a minor point to conce...more
I didn’t discover this book until halfway through a graduate level class on Postcolonial Theory. This would be after trying to keep my head above water while reading Derrida in the original language. I wish I’d read it years ago.
Despite its bland title and intimidating chapter headings, this book is very accessible. Each chapter takes a different ideological camp of literary theory –- from Post-structuralism to New Historicism –- and breaks it down into understandable terms. A brief history of e...more
Despite its bland title and intimidating chapter headings, this book is very accessible. Each chapter takes a different ideological camp of literary theory –- from Post-structuralism to New Historicism –- and breaks it down into understandable terms. A brief history of e...more
This book is a good starter for a class like the one I read it in (senior seminar) but I disagree with Barry on so many things I couldn't give it more than 3 stars. He does a good job of breaking down theories and methods so that they are easier to understand, and picks out the best distinctions to make between similar sorts of theories so that students can tell them apart. His examples of how to apply the theories are not always great. (He uses Barthes' S/Z for structuralism. Not your typical u...more
This book is useful as precisely what its subtitle states it to be: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Barry strives to make it both useful and transparent, although the waters to be passed through are deep and treacherous indeed. This book certainly cannot be judged on its personal appeal, for anyone who loves all of its contents must be schizophrenic, but no matter which of the literary theories you prefer (or if, like me, you find out you are an old-fashioned "liberal humanist")...more
A specialist work on critical theory - read only because, as a writer, I wanted to know something about how professional critics go about analysing and dissecting fiction. It confirmed my opinion that there's a great deal of pseudo-thinking involved. But, to give the author his due, he at least takes a neutral stance on the many different guises of literary criticism. I feel no more confident about the validity of this subject as a useful area of study, however. Seems to me that the critics over...more
Feb 27, 2013
kaelan
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
criticism,
for-school
Barry makes an admiral contribution to a tricky subject area: namely, lit theory for beginners. His book is capacious, and he tackles the various camps with charity and intelligibility. Nor does he purport to wear the guise of "objectivity," which is refreshing in a book of this type. He keeps an open mind, but isn't afraid to say when a theory leaves him unconvinced.
But the book is not without its flaws. In particular, I found the chapters on post-structuralism, postmodernism and stylistics to...more
But the book is not without its flaws. In particular, I found the chapters on post-structuralism, postmodernism and stylistics to...more
A fairly terse and clear overview of the various contemporary and historical trends in literary/critical theory.
Personally one of the most valuable and interesting elements of the book I found to be the bibliographies that Barry includes at the end of each chapter. There were a number of book titles I'd not heard of before, and taken together with the cues from his text it pointed to an extremely long list of books that should keep me busy for the next dozen years or so!
Personally one of the most valuable and interesting elements of the book I found to be the bibliographies that Barry includes at the end of each chapter. There were a number of book titles I'd not heard of before, and taken together with the cues from his text it pointed to an extremely long list of books that should keep me busy for the next dozen years or so!
FINALLY, a straightforward book on literary theory! It may not be the most comprehensive out there, but you come away from the text with a strong understanding of each school of thought, the major figures, and (most importantly) how these theories and thinkers interacted with one another across time and perspectives.
That may be why I enjoyed this so much, now that I think about it. I understand concepts much better from a "big picture" perspective that allows me to see how ideas or works emerged...more
That may be why I enjoyed this so much, now that I think about it. I understand concepts much better from a "big picture" perspective that allows me to see how ideas or works emerged...more
An incredibly helpful book for theory dummies like myself :D There are some terms that I wished Mr. Barry elaborated more upon - it is almost too generalized at times, if that is possible for a beginning book. All and all though, this book is a very helpful starting point for anyone who either needs or wishes to get into literary theory. The annotated bibliographies at the end of each chapter are worth the buy (or borrow) in and of itself.
Really great intro to theory that is applicable beyond literature. Read this to brush up for a class I'll be teaching on contemporary art and I found it to be so helpful in summarizing and explaining various concepts and introducing different thinkers. As I told my daughter, I couldn't believe how much I was enjoying reading a book on theory!
Preparing to teach a new class in the spring, so had review my knowledge of theory, especially since this book is on the required list for the students. This introduction to theory is very readable and accessible. I've read a lot of theory in my life, so to find this review a pleasure is indeed high praise from me.
Of the many books available that purport to demystify theory for students and nonacademic audiences, this one is my favorite. Barry writes with humor and has great command of the material. I've used this book a few times in graduate critical theory courses and the students have likewise found it useful.
A nicely done non-technical introduction to "Theory" over the last fifty years. Not a deep guide, but a good way to discover the main names and thoughts. Good quick explanations of academic currents and methods.
*Fantastic* introduction for anyone who is a beginner of critical theory. This book covers nearly all the basics and the bases of understanding, and serves as a great entry point into deeper books.
I really liked this book. The structure of this book was very helpful and we used it pretty often in my intro to lit class. If you need a good theory book, this is the one to get.
This book is crucial for anyone who feels like they have a fairly good literary/cultural theory background, but wants to fill in some gaps. Best overview I've found thus far.
Jun 02, 2012
Reid Redd
marked it as to-read
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11175786
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11175786
I feel like this text--along with the class for which I bought this text--helped me through what has been affectionately referred to as "Theory Boot Camp"
it's part of my university reading list, and I do find it quite useful discovering and expanding on knowledge of both newer and well-known critical theory.
Using simple language, bullet points and examples, Peter Barry effectively explains the various theories that literary theorists use.
So helpful, examples are great, writing easy to understand, a must for any 1st year undergraduate studying Lit. Theory. Punktum.
My first and favorite theory book. Even after years of study I still use Barry's little gem as a reference.
This is a nice book to supplement others. There are better introductions to theory out there.
Read it for my Intro to Theory course. Decent reference book. The title says it all.
Pretty good literary theory introduction book. The reading suggestions are particularly good.
Extremely helpful if you are going to get your masters degree.
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