A Practical Introduction to Literary Theory and Criticism

by Keith Booker

A uniquely accessible guide to a difficult subject, A Practical Introduction to Literary Theory and Criticism introduces students to the major trends in contemporary literary theory. Offering the breadth of information of a handbook and the examples of an anthology, it provides an invaluable alternative to the standard collections and shows students how literary theory really unfolds.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Literary Criticism

512 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 1995

Reviews

[Adrian Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea behind this book. There are very few surveys of literary theory that approach the subject in practical degrees (from very general introductions to specific applications) with an aim towards professional academic usage.

However, Prof. Booker leaves much to be desired, and I still don't exactly understand why the second part ("Introduction to the Application of Literary Theory," where he goes through and treats specific works with a touch of the previously introduced literary strategies) even exists. I would have liked to read more seminal essays within each theory, which would mean shrinking part two into brief introductions and expanding the third part of the book.

Although I did like the way he was able to keep straight some of the potentially tortuous psychoanalytic concepts of Lacan, there are more sophisticated surveys available.

All in all, if you've never read lit theory, I'd recommend the introduction and the opening chapters as a useful handbook to supplement your interests. The essays in the back are great, but only relevant if you happen to be studying that particular text and/or working in that literary strategy for the first time.

[Cep Subhan KM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sangat bagus. Recommended untuk bacaan awal para calon kritikus.

[Behzad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very helpful