Critical Theory: A Reader for Literary and Cultural Studies

by Robert Dale Parker

A wide-ranging and refreshingly up-to-date anthology of primary readings, Critical A Reader for Literary and Cultural Studies, edited by Robert Dale Parker, presents a provocative mix of contemporary and classic essays in critical theory.

From the foundational ideas of Marx and Freud to key writings by Fanon and Foucault, the essays in this collection represent the most influential ideas in modern critical thought and in the contemporary interpretation of literature and culture.

Ideal as a stand-alone reader or as a companion to a critical theory survey--including How to Interpret Critical Theory for Literary and Cultural Studies, also by Robert Dale Parker--this collection of seminal readings invites students to join in the ongoing debates and controversies of critical discussion, reading, writing, and interpretation.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
* Provides a comprehensive selection of key works that speak to students' needs and interests without overwhelming them with too many selections
* Offers clear, brief, and engaging headnotes at the beginning of each selection that place the essay in context (i.e., what the essay responds to or what responds to it) and elucidate its key arguments
* Includes key pieces from cultural studies critics not always well known in literary studies, including selections on youth culture by Dick Hebdige, Angela McRobbie, and Tricia Rose
* Provides a glossary of critical terms, giving students a quick and reliable in-text resource
* Covers a variety of theoretical schools-- from New Criticism, Structuralism, and Deconstruction to Feminism, Queer Studies, and Postcolonial and Race Studies--weaving connections among chapters to show how these different movements respond to and build on each other
* Organizes selections by theoretical school, unfolding chronologically and matching the organization of Parker's popular How to Interpret Literature
* Features "see also" recommendations that connect different essays and critical movements from across the volume

Genres: Theory, Nonfiction, School, Literary Criticism

896 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2012

Reviews

[ػᶈᶏϾӗ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly better than your standard literary theory anthology, or at least better than the one I used in undergrad. I liked the inclusion of Martha Nussbaum's critique of Judith Butler and it was interesting to see Slavoj Zizek grouped in with psychoanalysis. Plus there were rich sections on feminism, lesbian and gay studies, and queer studies. It would have been nice had animal and cyborg studies been included as well.

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great book to introduce yourselves to the basics of literary theory. It covers the main three: Marxism, Psychoanalysis, and Feminism, and then goes on to introduce Queer Studies and Post-colonialism Studies. The essays are well chosen, and provide a good basis for learning about these theories.

[Michael Tabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely valuable summaries for difficult readings, but actually having annotations within the readings would have made it easier to fully understand where some of these critics (*cough* Derrida) are coming from without fully resorting to the Cliffs Notes version.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of essays across the board, and from the early twentieth century up to more recent times. Great for a student of literature, film studies etc. or for the keen amateur theorist or those looking for a deep understanding of what they read and watch.

[Barrie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading it for the Literary Criticism class I'm taking at MSU-M. Lots of good readings in it from Structuralism through Reader Response theory. I'll keep it as a reference.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good selection. A great professor helped.