First published in 1983, Literary Theory: An Introduction is probably the best-selling work of literary criticism in the world today. It propelled its author to a position of such influence and controversy within the British academy that even Prince Charles once described him as "that dreadful Terry Eagleton". A quarter of a century on from its original publication, Literary Theory: An Introduction still conjures the subversion, excitement and exoticism that characterized theory through the 1960s and 70s, when it posed an unprecedented challenge to the literary establishment. Contemporary readers seeking to understand what literature is and what it is for will be inspired and entertained by Eagleton's deft synopses of the major movements in literary studies in the twentieth century. Eagleton has added a new preface to this anniversary edition to address more recent developments in literary studies, including what he describes as "the growth of a kind of anti-theory" and the idea that literary theory has been institutionalized. Insightful and enlightening, Literary Theory: An Introduction remains the essential guide to the field.

Table of Contents:

Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Introduction

The Rise of English

Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Reception Theory
Structuralism and Semiotics
Post-Structuralism
Psychoanalysis
Political Criticism

Afterword
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Terry Eagleton is John Edward Taylor Professor of English Literature at the University of Manchester. His recent publications include The English Novel (2004), Sweet Violence: The Idea of the Tragic (2003), The Idea of Culture (2000), Scholars and Rebels in Nineteenth–Century Ireland (1999), Literary Theory: An Introduction (Second Edition, 1996) and The Illusions of Postmodernism (1996), all published by Blackwell Publishing. Read less

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publisher Imprint: Wiley India
• Publication Date: June 6, 2012
• Pages: 248
• ISBN13: 9788126517893
• Item Weight: 500 grams
• Original Price: 695.0 INR
• Edition: Anniversary Ed.
• Binding: Paperback