In an era when many scholars and critics can't seem to see the forest of literature for the trees of theory, objective readings of texts are few and far between. In Devotions to the Text, Steven Carter seeks to counter this trend by demonstrating that Samuel Johnson's admonition to "empty your mind of cant" is still sage advice for today's readers, both private and professional. Devotions to the Text constitutes a bold act of rebellion against those who would transform texts into mirrors that reflect only their own ideas and/or ideologies.

About the Author
Steven Carter is the author of five books of literary and cultural criticism, including Bearing Across: Studies in Literature and Science (University Press of America, 2002). In 1989 he was awarded the Schachterle Prize by the National Society for Literature and Science. In 2001 he became the only two-time winner of Italy's coveted Nuove Lettere International Poetry and Literature Prize. A former Senior Fulbright Fellow at two Polish universities, Professor Carter teaches at California State University, Bakersfield.

Reviews
In his many years in the classroom and as one of our most astute literary scholars and cultural critics, Carter has been witness to the shifts in the field of literary studies, yet has remained unwavering in his commitment to close, textual readings and careful analysis. With this book, he hopes that students and scholars will once again recognize the importance of devotion to the text...[and he] clearly demonstrates why formalism remains a relevant and necessary component of critical literary study. -- Therese A. Paetschow, California State University * Bridges *


Awards
Winner of 2010 Eric Hoffer Book Award _ Montaigne Medal.



Book Information
ISBN 9780761827573
Author Steven Carter
Format Paperback
Page Count 170
Imprint University Press of America
Publisher University Press of America
Weight(grams) 222g
Dimensions(mm) 217mm * 142mm * 13mm