An accessible and thorough introduction to literary theory and contemporary critical practice, this book is an essential resource for beginning students of literary criticism.

• Covers traditional approaches such as formalism and structuralism, as well as more recent developments in criticism such as evolutionary theory, cognitive studies, ethical criticism, and ecocriticism
• Offers explanations of key works and major ideas in literary criticism and suggests key elements to look for in a literary text
• Also applies critical approaches to various examples from film studies
• Helps students to build a critical framework and write analytically

About the Author

Michael Ryan teaches American Literat ure and Film Studies at Temple University, USA. He is the author of numerous publications, including Literary Theory: An Anthology, 2nd edition (co-edited with Julie Rivkin, Wiley-Blackwell, 2004), Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction, 2nd edition (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007), Cultural Studies: An Anthology (Wiley-Blackwell, 2008), and Cultural Studies: A Practical Introduction (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010).

Reviews

"But these are only minor criticisms of what will be an extraordinarily helpful and reassuring book for many students." (Times Higher Education, 28 February 2013)

Book Information
ISBN 9781405182829
Author Michael Ryan
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 304g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 12mm