This is a collection in translation of recent essays by Tzvetan Todorov, one of the most eminent of today's literary critics. The essays concentrate on the idea of genre, literary or otherwise, and ask such questions as: What is literature? What is genre? Which are the major literary genres? In the first section, Todorov proposes definitions for the notions of literature, discourse, and genre. Following is a general discussion of the two principal literary genres, fiction and poetry. In the final section, Todorov examines individual authors as case studies: among them Poe, Dostoyevsky, Baudelaire, Conrad, and James.

A translation of recent essays by the eminent literary critic, Tzvelan Todorov.
Reviews
"Although Todorov is operating within the realm of high theory, he constructs most arguments from meticulous readings of individual texts. Unlike the bravura gestures of critics such as Harold Bloom, Todorov's close readings are quieter. Like embroidery examined with a magnifying glass, they impress by their intricacy and refinement....he is amazing." Village Voice



Book Information
ISBN 9780521342490
Author Tzvetan Todorov
Format Hardback
Page Count 148
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 345g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 157mm * 17mm