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'It is no surprise to learn that Beginning theory has already been reprinted nine times. There is no other book that offers such a comprehensive account of the field, combined with thoughtful, detailed exposition of the theoretical approaches under discussion. Far from being a modest survey of contemporary literary theory, it has had a vital role in shaping the way that theory is taught in Britain and North America. --English Association Newsletter
Product Description
Beginning theory has been helping students navigate through the thickets of literary and cultural theory for well over a decade now. This new and expanded third edition continues to offer students and readers the best one-volume introduction to the field.The bewildering variety of approaches, theorists and technical language is lucidly and expertly unravelled. Unlike many books which assume certain positions about the critics and the theories they represent, Peter Barry allows readers to develop their own ideas once first principles and concepts have been grasped.The book has been updated and includes two new chapters, one of which (Literary theory - a history in ten events) innovatively surveys the course of theory, while the other (Theory after 'Theory') maps the arrival of new 'isms' since the second edition appeared in 2002. It covers: Liberal humanism; Structuralism; Post-structuralism and deconstruction; Postmodernism; Psychoanalytic criticism; Feminist criticism; Lesbian/gay criticism; Marxist criticism; New historicism and cultural materialism; Postcolonial criticism; Stylistics; Narratology; Ecocriticism; and, Presentism, Transversal poetics, New aestheticism, Historical formalism, and Cognitive poetics.
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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
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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!
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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 Peter Barry. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory covers a wide range of areas, the language is simplistic and each theory is explained clearly and with examples. I have also gained a much better understanding on how Freudian interpretation works. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!
Book covers:
Liberal Humanism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism and deconstruction, Postmodernism, Psychoanalytic criticism, Feminist criticism, Lesbian/Gay criticism, Marxist criticism, New historicism and cultural materialism, Postcolonial criticism, Stylistics, Narratology and Ecocriticism.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An exceptional introduction
I have read several introductory books into critical theory and contemporary philosophy; I would say that this book is by far the best. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Nick Stavrakis
Much needed
Overwhelming! Yes that is the word for this "beginners" book - and how we know it is much needed for studying the Arts. How much more still to learn...
Published 1 month ago by Arawly
Excellent Introduction
Peter Barry's introduction to literary critical theory is essential to A-Level students who are thinking about going onto study English Literature in higher education. Read more
Published 2 months ago by E.V. Hallett
Required reading at University
If you are doing any form of literary study that requires an understanding of theory read this book before any others. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Manicman
Beginning History
Great book. Well written and easy to follow. Covers several major critical literary theories in a good level of detail. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Toby
Thank you Peter Barry!
Derrida??? Foucault?? Huh??? If you sat in your first lit theory lectures with a look somewhere between perplexed and bemused, wondering if the lecturer was speaking English, this... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Anna Kavan
clear, concise and very readable.
This is an excellent introduction to and overview of critical theory. You can use it to either jump in and read a chapter on an area of interest but it also works as a... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Andrew Cowie
Para todos los niveles
Este es uno de los libros de lectura obligada en la asignatura de Comentario de Textos del Grado de Estudios Ingleses de la UNED. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Ana Sainz
Ergh!
So hard and very boring to read! I had to buy it for my uni course it really isn't great!
Published 20 months ago by Nat
Gentle approach for all new to theory
Even if you hated anything philosophical at school, this is a book you'll pick up again and again. A good book to learn the basics of any social and philosophical theory of the... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Viv
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