Textual Strategies: Perspectives in Post-Structural Criticism

by Josue V. Harari (Editor)

European and American scholars consider the problems of modern criticism and the impact of anthropology, psychoanalysis, and semiology on the analysis of literature

Genres: Literary Criticism, Philosophy, Nonfiction

475 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[v]

Harari's introduction (and bibliography) admirably marshals and deploys the disparate "strategies" of post-structuralist literary criticism represented in this collection. Here, the big names predictably deliver (Derrida's contribution is brilliant and Serres' delightful) or muddle (the theory found in Girard's essay, I feel, applies only to itself and not the text it is foisted upon), and the North American scholars skillfully apply (Donato, Hertz, Vance) or stubbornly force (Riddel) continental discoveries. Each essay is singly insightful, troubling, or influential. But while valuably and helpfully orienting for 1979's academics and critics' territorial excursions, I'm sure, this volume no longer sufficiently prepares, guides or justifies return expeditions.