This is the clearest and most readable introduction to contemporary literary theory that I have ever come across. Belsey succeeds in charting a path through the jungle/minefield/labyrinth (choose your metaphor) of critical theory that is both interesting and easy to follow. Obviously, this ... Read review
Advantages: Clarity and readability in a difficult subject. Disadvantages: Not for people who read Mills & Boon.
...jungle/minefield/labyrinth (choose your metaphor) of critical theory that is both interesting and easy to follow. Obviously, this book will not be everyone's cup of tea. If you are a particle physicist from Woking then you probably shouldn't read it. If, however, you are a degree student who is trying to come to terms with postmodern/poststructuralist literature and LitCrit then this is the tome for you.
This is the clearest and most readable introduction to contemporary literary theory that I have ever come across. Belsey succeeds in charting a path through the jungle/minefield/labyrinth (choose your metaphor) of critical theory that is both interesting and easy to follow. Obviously, this book will not be everyone's cup of tea. If you are a particle physicist from Woking then you probably shouldn't read it. If, however, you are a degree student who is trying to come to terms with postmodern/poststructuralist literature and LitCrit then this is the tome for you.
Advantages: excellent for people with little background to literary theory; covers a wide range of areas; excellent for people going on to study English at university Disadvantages: extremely high register of language so you have to concentrate!
...all you prospective uni students of English - it will make you look very clever and impressive once you start literary theory! This book has inspired me to read up on this subject further and I believe it to be an essential part of the critical theory canon. No flaws! ...
Angelil 07.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Critical Practice - Catherine Belsey
