Product Description

The success of Beginning Theory has shown that there is no better introduction for students encountering literary and cultural theory for the first time.

The bewildering variety of approaches, theorists and technical language is lucidly and expertly unravelled and explained, and unlike many books which assume certain positions about the theories and critics which they represent, Beginning theory allows readers to develop their own ideas once first principles have been grasped.

Expanded and updated from the original edition first published in 1995, Peter Barry has incorporated all of the recent developments in literary theory, adding two new chapters covering the emergent Eco-criticism and the re-emerging Narratology. They complement the original chapters on: liberal humanism, Marxism, new historicism, cultural materialism, postcolonialism, feminism, deconstruction, queer theory, structuralism, poststructuralism, postmodernism, stylistics and psychoanalytic theory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #879 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Synopsis
Expanded second edition of this hugely successful introduction to literary theory, a book which has already proven itself as the first port of call for students - Two new chapters added which take account of the changes since the first publication (1995), and all bibliographies have been updated - Given approval by academics and teachers the world over as the clearest and most concise introduction in the area - A consistent bestseller for the last five years

Customer Reviews

A Useful Text
This book has some great summary sections which are invaluable when revising and trying to learn key points of each theory. However Barry does tend to 'waffle' a bit in places, sometimes making it difficult to understand and there are some errors in the book itself. But it is definately worth getting for the summaries alone, but make sure it is supported by another text.

Great book
As a student at Peter Barry's institution, The University of Wales, Aberystwyth I was pleased to find that one of my own tutors had written an accessible alternative to Rivkin and Ryan. This work serves as a fantastic introduction to literary theory and will please beginners and pros alike.

5 Stars!
Peter Barry's book is very inspiring to read. I have brought many books to help grasp an understanding on literary theory but I have to say none have explained it quite as well as Peter Barry. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory covers a wide range of areas, the language is simplistic and each theory is explained clearly and with examples. I have also gained a much better understanding on how Freudian interpretation works. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

Book covers:
Liberal Humanism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism and deconstruction, Postmodernism, Psychoanalytic criticism, Feminist criticism, Lesbian/Gay criticism, Marxist criticism, New historicism and cultural materialism, Postcolonial criticism, Stylistics, Narratology and Ecocriticism.