Description
Book SynopsisThis book finds a way through often impenetrable recent theories, exploring key concepts of ideology, subjectivity and representation in the various forms put forward by different 'schools' of theorists.
Trade Review"This book gives the uninitiated and/or sceptical reader a strong sense that new trends in literary theory represent, not an attempt to foist trendy jargo on old common places, but a compelling challenge to restructure our understanding of "literature" in relation to language, self and society." James H. Kavanagh
"A fine assessment of recent work in literary theory and a suggestive account of new directions to take...an excellent piece of critical analysis." William E. Cain
"Teh work of Louis Althusser, Pierre Macherey, Jacques Lacan and Tel Quel group in France are suddenly rendered comprehensible for English readers by Catherine Belsey's Critical Practice. This ambitious and original synthesis exposes the ideological construction of orthodox literary studies." Alan Sinfield, Critical Quarterly
"A provocative critique of where we are, where we've been and what we're doing." Genre
"An excellent book for the novice." Voice Literary Supplement
Table of ContentsGeneral Editor's Preface Acknowledgments Preface to the second edition 1. Traditional criticism and common sense 2. Challenges to expressive realism 3. Criticism and Meaning 4. Addressing the Subject 5. The Interrogative Text 6. The Work of the Reading 7. Deconstruction and the Differance it Makes 8. Towards a Productive Critical Practice Further Reading Notes References Index
