A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature

A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature
by Wilfred L. Guerin, Earle Labor, Lee Morgan, Jeanne C. Reesman, John R. Willingham

A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature
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Book Summary Information

Author: Earle Labor, Jeanne C. Reesman, John R. Willingham, Lee Morgan, Wilfred L. Guerin
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-12-30
ISBN: 0195160177
Number of pages: 448
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Product features:
  • Product Details:Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 5 edition (December 30, 2005)
  • Language: English, ISBN-10: 0195160177, ISBN-13: 978-0195160178
  • duct Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches, Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews), Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #592,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books

Book Reviews of A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature

Book Review: Excellent and Thorough
Summary: 5 Stars

I used an earlier edition of this book in an undergraduate class specifically about the criticism of literature. The class was structured such that, at each chapter, we would read it in addition to one poem, one short story, and one play. In class we discussed the given chapter and applied it to the example literature in the book. Then, we were on our own to apply the technique in an essay to one of the assigned readings.

That was in 1986. I decided to read the latest edition of the book since it had been so helpful before and I wanted to see what had changed. My edition from years ago had feminism as one of several "alternative" techniques discussed in the last chapter. Now, it is a chapter in and of itself entitled, "Feminisms." There is now also a chapter on cultural studies. Further, a number of other techniques have been added. Now, the last chapter of "alternative" techniques includes dialogics, deconstruction, reader-response, and other techniques.

I was quite surprised by the information on gender studies offered. This is a mainstream book with no hidden agenda, yet it covers the basics of even queer theory. What most impressed me was that the descriptive summaries were so thorough, yet anyone could study or teach this material no matter their political views. I suppose some people could become offended by even discussing such material, but even a conservative instructor or student could use the text, find it useful, and become informed on issues without a feeling anyone is trying to adjust their worldview in some kind of sneaky fashion.

Personally, I find the writing in the book concise and witty. As a textbook, it continues to educate without overburdening one with lengthy text. Yet it covers all of the basics and then some. As a book one might read on one's own to develop a more intimate relationship with literature, it does that too, although outside of a class, you may need to run to the dictionary here and there. Many titles of literary works are provided throughout the text that can be read as one wishes either to understand the theories mentioned better or to have the experience of reading the material with a critical eye. The book definitely deepens ones relationship to literature.
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Summary of A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature

Now in its fifth edition, A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature has become both a standard introduction to the close reading of literature and an invaluable resource for English graduate students. It offers students and other readers a variety of ways to interpret a piece of literature, ranging from historical/biographical and moral/philosophical approaches through the formalist, the psychological, the mythic and archetypal, and into such contemporary perspectives as feminist criticism and cultural studies. The book applies these diverse approaches to the same six classic works--"To His Coy Mistress," Hamlet, Huckleberry Finn, "Young Goodman Brown," "Everyday Use," and, new to this edition, Frankenstein--showing students how various methods offer different insights and enriching their response to and understanding of the individual works. The fifth edition is enhanced by the addition of Frankenstein, a complex work that lends itself to multiple levels of interpretation and is familiar in both its cinematic and literary forms. The coverage of Frankenstein incorporates material on popular culture--discussions of various fiction, stage, film, and television appearances of the work--as well as several photographs. This edition also features organizational and content changes that bring the volume up-to-date with contemporary literary criticism. Offering a valuable combination of theory and practice, A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature, Fifth Edition, is ideal for courses in literary criticism or theory and can also be used in introduction to literature courses.

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