Encyclopedia of Contemporary Literary Theory: Approaches, Scholars, Terms

by Irena R. Makaryk (Editor)

The last half of the twentieth century has seen the emergence of literary theory as a new discipline. As with any body of scholarship, various schools of thought exist, and sometimes conflict, within it. I.R. Makaryk has compiled a welcome guide to the field. Accessible and jargon-free, the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Literary Theory provides lucid, concise explanations of myriad approaches to literature that have arisen over the past forty years.

Some 170 scholars from around the world have contributed their expertise to this volume. Their work is organized into three parts. In Part I, forty evaluative essays examine the historical and cultural context out of which new schools of and approaches to literature arose. The essays also discuss the uses and limitations of the various schools, and the key issues they address.

Part II focuses on individual theorists. It provides a more detailed picture of the network of scholars not always easily pigeonholed into the categories of Part I. This second section analyses the individual achievements, as well as the influence, of specific scholars, and places them in a larger critical context.

Part III deals with the vocabulary of literary theory. It identifies significant, complex terms, places them in context, and explains their origins and use.

Accessibility is a key feature of the work. By avoiding jargon, providing mini-bibliographies, and cross-referencing throughout, Makaryk has provided an indispensable tool for literary theorists and historians and for all scholars and students of contemporary criticism and culture.

656 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 1993

Reviews

[Maryam Fardi · Rating 1 out of 5]

ترجمه اي تحت الفظي و بسيار ابتدايي دارد.

[Faridfakhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

کتاب جامع و خوبی هست ترجمه هم ترجمه خوبی‌ست.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this book is very informative and a great reference, I don't recommend trying to read all 5 million pages ;) all in one fell swoop.