This book recreates in written form seventeen of the most popular, frankly personal and engaging lectures on literature given by the award-winning teacher Richard Jacobs, who has been working with students for over forty years. This is a book written for students, whether starting their studies or more experienced, and also for all lovers of literature. At its heart is the conviction that reading, thinking about, and writing or talking about literature involves us all personally: texts talk to us intimately and urgently, inviting us to talk back, intervening in and changing our lives.

These lectures discuss, in an open but richly informed way, a wide range of texts that are regularly studied and enjoyed. They model what it means to be excited about reading and studying literature, and how the study of literature can be life-changing - perhaps even with the effect of changing the lives of readers of this eloquent and remarkable book.

About the Author
Richard Jacobs is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Brighton, School of Humanities, where he was subject leader for literature and Principal Lecturer for many years and where he received teaching excellence awards. His publications include A Beginner's Guide to Critical Reading: An Anthology of Literary Texts (Routledge), Teaching Narrative (Palgrave), chapters on the 20th century novel (Penguin and Palgrave), editions for Penguin Classics, articles on literature and the teaching of literature, and several reviews.

Reviews

"In this intimate, accessible and passionate book, Richard Jacobs shows us why reading literature matters and how it can change our lives." -- Will Norman, University of Kent

"Richard Jacobs' lectures give personal warmth to critical expertise. Literature in Our Lives is a wonderful model of how to think about literature. This book provides an approachable introduction for beginners and a stimulating companion for advanced literary scholars." -- Rachel Trousdale, Framingham State University

"The studies published here, while impeccably rigorous and forensic, have a deeply appealing thread of personal memories and enthusiasm...Literature in our Lives is a reminder of the best tradition of literary criticism, an ongoing conversation, and recalled for me the memorable lessons, tutorials and lectures that helped me to find the place that literature has in my own life. I would warmly recommend the book to anyone wishing to see the kind of directions literary discussions can take." -- Malcolm Hebron, The Use of English 72.2

"As a lucid model of assured and inspiring close reading which resolutely connects together critical interpretation with our own lives, [this book] is perfectly pitched for both sixth-formers and university students. I think it's a book to reinvigorate all of us who want to learn, or to teach how to read well." -- Sean McEvoy, Teaching English

Book Information
ISBN 9780367189341
Author Richard Jacobs
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 760g