Product Description

Brings literature to life through a combination of fascinating texts, critically up-to-the minute readings and Jacobs' enthusiastic, lively approach.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #363421 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

Review
'This is an excellent and timely book.' - Robert Eaglestone, Royal Holloway, University of London

'A terrifically valuable book.' - Mark Willhardt, Monmouth College

'I am astounded and delighted by this profound, intelligent and easily-read book.' - Timothy Morton, University of Colorado, Boulder

'An interesting and challenging resource for teachers and enthusiastic students.' - The English and Media Magazine

'Richard Jacobs' anthology is one of the most refreshing and lively collections I have read in a long time ... Everybody will find something to delight them in this book' - Carol Fox, Times Education Supplement

'Essential reading.' - Author.co.uk

From the Publisher
A review from the Times Educational Supplement
'Richard Jacobs' anthology is one of the most refreshing and lively collections I have read in a long time. He has a direct (and often humorous) way of addressing his readers, by inviting them to taste both the literature and the critical approaches, to share in his delight at the feast laid before them with no risk of forcefeeding. Everybody will find something to delight them in this book.' - Carol Fox, The Times Educational Supplement

From the Back Cover
A Beginner's Guide to Critical Reading brings literature to life by combining a rich selection of literary texts with genuinely original and lively commentary. Unlike so many introductions to literary studies, this is a book which vividly demonstrates how criticism and theory can actually enhance your own enjoyment and appreciation of literature.
Richard Jacobs manages to draw a map of English Literature which is fresh and distinctive and which offers stimulating guidance to many familiar landmarks. In the process he shows that studying literature can be a source of huge pleasure and interest.
Written with freshness, insight and humour, this guide will prove invaluable on your literary and critical journeys.

Customer Reviews

Everyone should be a beginner
If, like me, your education was crippled by the English education system this book is essential reading. My literary education took me past an anthology of poems, Twelfth Night and Great Expectations and little more. This book is an exciting jouney through the history of English literature. Richard Jacobs has selected juicy morsels then added significant commentary. Even where you have some knowledge of the work he adds yet another dimension. It's 481 pages have already become part of my life.