Reflecting varieties of theory and practice in both verse and prose from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century, these essays by many of America's leading literary scholars call for a reinvigorated formalism that can enrich literary studies, open productive routes of commerce with cultural studies, and propel cultural theory out of its thematic ruts.

This book reprints Modern Language Quarterly's highly acclaimed special issue Reading for Form, along with new essays by Marjorie Perloff, D. Vance Smith, and Susan Stewart, and a revised introduction by Susan Wolfson. With historical case studies and insightful explorations, Reading for Form offers invaluable material for literary critics in all specializations.

An extraordinarily wide-ranging collection, spanning texts and issues from the Middle Ages to contemporary theory. Formalism, it becomes clear, is not something that literary studies have ever superseded but rather an abiding preoccupation that both literature and its critics have continually endorsed and assimilated in a surprising array of registers and concerns. The contributors are all leaders in their respective fields and their collective effort will be required reading for students of literature at all levels. -- William Galperin, Rutgers University

About the Author

Susan J. Wolfson is professor of English at Princeton University. Marshall Brown is professor of comparative literature at the University of Washington and editor of Modern Language Quarterly.

Reviews
"An extraordinarily wide-ranging collection, spanning texts and issues from the Middle Ages to contemporary theory. Formalism, it becomes clear, is not something that literary studies have ever superseded but rather an abiding preoccupation that both literature and its critics have continually endorsed and assimilated in a surprising array of registers and concerns. The contributors are all leaders in their respective fields and their collective effort will be required reading for students of literature at all levels."--William Galperin, Rutgers University



Book Information
ISBN 9780295986487
Author Susan J. Wolfson
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint University of Washington Press
Publisher University of Washington Press
Weight(grams) 463g