Description

Book Synopsis
Understanding instead of lamenting the popularity of self-help books

Trade Review

"Dolby has written a timely, important, and provocative book that introduced me to a new and smart way of viewing this body of literary work. Scholarly yet accessible, Self-Help Books presents a solid argument about why the oral, traditional foundation of narratives for these self-help books helps to make them successful." --Elaine Lawless, author of Women Escaping Violence: Empowerment through Narrative


“Dolby's wide reading in self-help books, her nuanced analyses of their writing, intelligent use of reader testimony, and the effective application of theory and concepts from folklore combine to produce a book that will have appeal for both scholars and general readers.”--Patrick B. Mullen, author of The Man Who Adores the Negro: Race and American Folklore

SelfHelp Books

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    £19.79

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    RRP £21.99 – you save £2.20 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 6 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Sandra K. Dolby

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      Publisher: University of Illinois Press
      Publication Date: 10/01/2008
      ISBN13: 9780252075186, 978-0252075186
      ISBN10: 0252075188
      Also in:
      Folklore studies / Study of myth

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Understanding instead of lamenting the popularity of self-help books

      Trade Review

      "Dolby has written a timely, important, and provocative book that introduced me to a new and smart way of viewing this body of literary work. Scholarly yet accessible, Self-Help Books presents a solid argument about why the oral, traditional foundation of narratives for these self-help books helps to make them successful." --Elaine Lawless, author of Women Escaping Violence: Empowerment through Narrative


      “Dolby's wide reading in self-help books, her nuanced analyses of their writing, intelligent use of reader testimony, and the effective application of theory and concepts from folklore combine to produce a book that will have appeal for both scholars and general readers.”--Patrick B. Mullen, author of The Man Who Adores the Negro: Race and American Folklore

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