Literary Theory: An Anthology

This anthology of classic and cutting-edge statements in literary theory has now been updated to include recent influential texts in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Postcolonialism and International Studies

• A definitive collection of classic statements in criticism and new theoretical work from the past few decades
• All the major schools and methods that make up the dynamic field of literary theory are represented, from Formalism to Postcolonialism
• Enables students to familiarise themselves with the most recent developments in literary theory and with the traditions from which these new theories derive

Literary Theory: An Anthology is a definitive collection of classic and contemporary statements in the field of literary theory and criticism. It is an invaluable resource for students who wish to familiarize themselves with the most recent developments in literary theory and with the traditions from which these new theories are derived.

The anthology represents all the major schools and methods that make up the dynamic field of literary theory. It contains classic texts from a range of movements, including Formalism, Structuralism, Marxism, Psychoanalysis, Deconstruction, Historicism, and Feminism, and incorporates cutting-edge work by leading theoreticians in the fields of Postmodernism, Cultural Studies, Post-colonialism, Gay and Lesbian studies, and Ethnic Studies. For the second edition, the content has been updated to include the most recent influential texts, particularly in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Transnational Studies, and Cultural Studies.

Library Journal

Rivkin (Connecticut Coll.) and Ryan (Northeastern Univ.) have designed this anthology for courses in literary theory at the graduate or at best advanced undergraduate level. Its title suggests a much more comprehensive scope than is in fact the case. There is no Aristotle here, no Sir Phillip Sidney, no Matthew Arnold. Instead, this anthology aims to include only contemporary literary theory, which means that the earliest pieces date back only to the 1920s, and many of the essays were written within the past decade. Attempting to include texts that are not commonly available, it also embraces the "heterodox and newly canonical" to provide students with a broad range of current viewpoints. The 100-plus essays and essay excerpts are grouped into ten categories, such as "Marxism," "Feminism," and "Gender Studies," with most of the introductory essays in each section written by the editors themselves. There is also a fine index. Despite a multiplicity of such anthologies, this one seems to live up to its claim that it is the most comprehensive one available. The list of essays included is available at Blackwell's website .Peter A. Dollard, Alma Coll. Lib., Mt. Pleasant, MI

Julie Rivkin is Professor at Connecticut College, where she teaches courses in American Literature, Contemporary Women Writers, and Literary Theory. She is the author of False Positions: The Representational Logics of Henry James's Fiction (1996).

Michael Ryan is Professor of English at Northeastern University, where he teaches courses in American Literature and Culture, American Film, and Literary Theory.