Cover of Theory of Literature

Theory of Literature

by Rene Wellek, Austin Warren · 1942

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A classic of criticism that examines the nature, function, form, and contents of literature. "The most ordered, ranging and purposeful attempt...toward keeping the study of literature at once intelligent and liberal" (New York Times). Index.

Subject
literary criticismliterary criticismMore like thisLess of thisphilosophyphilosophyMore like thisLess of this
Genre
literary fictionliterary fictionMore like thisLess of this
Themes
writerswritersMore like thisLess of this
Setting
collegecollegeMore like thisLess of this
Audience
adult
Length
medium · 384 pages

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Liked Theory of Literature? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked Theory of Literature. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. The Sense of an Ending: Studies in the Theory of Fiction Frank Kermode · 1967 Shares nonfiction, literary criticism, literary theory
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  3. Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature Erich Auerbach · 1946 Shares literary criticism, nonfiction, literary theory
  4. The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition M.H. Abrams · 1954 Shares literary criticism, nonfiction, criticism
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“If you want more of the same (literary criticism about writers), start with these.”

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“If it was the literary theory that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. Literary Theory: An Introduction Terry Eagleton · 1983
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“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. Practical Criticism: A Study Of Literary Judgment Ivor A. Richards · 1929
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