Literary Theory (The Basics)

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended...
Review: I can't say enough good things about this book and its author, Bertens. We are using this as one of our textbooks in an advanced Contemporary Literary Theory class. The readings that we have to do by literary theorists (Derrida & ilk) are often confusing, but the Bertens book ties everything together in easy-to-understand language. I never approach the book as a "chore," rather, it is a joy. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a clear, concise, well-written introduction to modern literary theory. It includes such topics as Formalism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Post-Colonialism, and Feminist Theory, among others.

Rating:
Summary: Best By Far
Review: This book is the best by far in terms of lucidity and approachability. He demystifies and descarifies many difficult areas of theory. His historical approach (he begins mid-Victorian and moves from there through New Criticism, Formalism and the like) really helps show how each idea evolved from, and is indebted to, the other schools of theory. A brilliant book, which I cannot recommend highly enough!

Rating:
Summary: Best By Far
Review: This book is the best by far in terms of lucidity and approachability. He demystifies and descarifies many difficult areas of theory. His historical approach (he begins mid-Victorian and moves from there through New Criticism, Formalism and the like) really helps show how each idea evolved from, and is indebted to, the other schools of theory. A brilliant book, which I cannot recommend highly enough!