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Beginning theory (third edition): An introduction to literary and cultural theory (Beginnings) Paperback – 5 Feb 2009

by Peter Barry (Author)

65 customer reviews

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Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory: Fourth Edition (Beginnings)
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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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Product details

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Manchester University Press; 3rd Revised edition edition (5 Feb. 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0719079276
ISBN-13: 978-0719079276
Product Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 19.3 cm
Average Customer Review: 65 customer reviews
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 7,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3 in Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > History & Criticism > Literary Studies
- #6 in Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > History & Criticism > Literary Theory & Movements
- #6 in Books > Education Studies & Teaching > Higher & Further Education

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Review

'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

About the Author

Peter Barry is Professor of English at the University of Aberystwyth

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An accessible and stimulating guide to literary and cultural theory.

31 July 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This 3rd edition(2009) is an accessible and intellectually stimulating introduction to literary and cultural theory.
After a brief illuminating introduction there are 15 chapters on 'Theory before 'theory''; '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'; 'Literary theory - a history in ten events'; 'Theory after 'theory''.
The book concludes with appendices and a further reading list.
'Beginning Theory' is a clearly written and comprehensive guide to an often abstruse subject which should appeal to the interested general reader as well as students of literary and cultural studies.

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Kirstie

No faff.

21 November 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This book is great!

I had to buy it for a class, and it offers a clear breakdown of the theories and issues surrounding them. It also relates these theories and issues to well-known books and poetry that people should hopefully know, in order to get points across and to give examples of the theories in practice. The language is really clear on the most part, so you don't have to spend ages faffing around trying to figure out what the author originally meant.

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H. Smith

Fantastic, esp. For english undergrads

18 November 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Fantastic guide to theory, esp. Would recommend to english undergrads. If, like myself when I was in my third year, the criticism and theory classes go far too fast with way too much packed into them, this book will definitely be of help to you. I had a lecturer who obviously knew alot about the different theories, however she was unable to teach it in a way that made it possible for us undergraduates to easily digest, so this book helped a lot!

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Benny J

Excellent and reccommended

12 August 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

An excellent basis on which to base further knowledge. A thoroughly good introduction to a lot of topics and themed

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Robin White

Eminently understandable

21 October 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Breaks down the basics of literary theory into easily readable pieces and makes the process of digesting them far simpler than I worried it might be. Was incredibly helpful when going through my undergraduate degree and now that I'm looking at going back to university to begin post-grad and need to refresh my memory, it's coming in very handy. Easily the best theory book I've come across - all of the others I owned at uni I've sold, but not this one.

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Busy Bee Mum

Great for students or anyone.

15 January 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Excellent book really helped with my Critical Theory module at university, easy to understand explains theory's in plain English.

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Amazon Customer

Four Stars

6 January 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Really good for first year degree course. perfect for an overview of subject

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Manicman

Required reading at University

27 February 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

If you are doing any form of literary study that requires an understanding of theory read this book before any others. It makes sense and doesn't over complicate an already complex subject. It should be on all primary reading lists not the additional reading list.

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Most recent customer reviews

perfect conditions!

Thank you, perfect conditions!

Published 2 months ago

nabil

Good stuff

Effective, smart, take notes and you will learn.

Published 6 months ago

Drusilla

Five Stars

as advertised.

Published 9 months ago

Amazon Customer

If you're thinking about it, buy it!!

Fantastic read, very helpful for English degree!!! Highly recommend!!

Published 11 months ago

Amazon Customer

Five Stars

Very good, as described

Published 12 months ago

Amazon Customer

Five Stars

A brilliant introduction into the theory of criticism in English literature.
Very good book, good quality and prompt delivery.

Published 1 year ago

nirusha

Five Stars

good book explanations of theory

Published on 13 March 2016

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Beginning theory (third edition): An introduction to literary and cultural theory (Beginnings) Paperback – 5 Feb 2009

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