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Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory (Beginnings)
 
 
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Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory (Beginnings) (Paperback)

by Peter Barry (Author) "It is difficult to understand liberal humanism (that is, the traditional approach to English studies, see the Introduction, pp. 3-4) without knowing something about how..." (more)
4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
Price: £9.99 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Product Description
Expanded second edition of this hugely successful introduction to literary theory, a book which has already proven itself as the first port of call for students - Two new chapters added which take account of the changes since the first publication (1995), and all bibliographies have been updated - Given approval by academics and teachers the world over as the clearest and most concise introduction in the area - A consistent bestseller for the last five years

About the Author
Peter Barry is Reader in English at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Inside This Book (Learn More)
First Sentence
It is difficult to understand liberal humanism (that is, the traditional approach to English studies, see the Introduction, pp. 3-4) without knowing something about how English developed as an academic subject. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory (Beginnings)
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4.8 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Readable., 14 Nov 2000
This review is from: Beginning Theory: Workbook and Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory (Beginnings) (Paperback)
This book is ideal for people moving beyond English A level who want an introduction to the sometimes baffling world of critical theory. All the major theories are covered in a readable fashion, with easy to understand summaries. A must for anyone intending to study English at university.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent introduction/refresher course, 22 Sep 2003
By A Customer
This book provides a great introduction to the world of theory which often confuses first year literature students and puts them off the study of english. It explains, unlike other texts, how the concept of theory emerges. As a postgrad student, I was aware I needed to brush up on the dreaded theory so I picked up this introduction, and was pleasantly surprised. So much more accessible than Rivkin and Ryan!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Text, 18 Aug 2006
By Ms. S. E. Baker "sammy22" (uk) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This book has some great summary sections which are invaluable when revising and trying to learn key points of each theory. However Barry does tend to 'waffle' a bit in places, sometimes making it difficult to understand and there are some errors in the book itself. But it is definately worth getting for the summaries alone, but make sure it is supported by another text.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
As a student at Peter Barry's institution, The University of Wales, Aberystwyth I was pleased to find that one of my own tutors had written an accessible alternative to Rivkin and... Read more
Published on 29 Mar 2006

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars!
Peter Barry's book is very inspiring to read. I have brought many books to help grasp an understanding on literary theory but I have to say none have explained it quite as well as... Read more
Published on 4 Nov 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginning Theory
This faithful 'bible' was always my first port of call for all of my critical theory assignments throughout 3 years at university. Read more
Published on 27 Sep 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have book for all English students
This is great as a reference book for all English students. It is very accessible and covers so much material, and actually makes it interesting!!
Published on 29 Dec 2001

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to an enormous body of thought.
I found this book very useful as a general overview of areas such as structuralism, poststructuralism, marxist criticism, queer theory etc. Read more
Published on 13 Sep 2001

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