This third edition of Hans Bertens' bestselling book is an essential guide to the often confusing and complicated world of literary theory. Exploring a broad range of topics from Marxist and feminist criticism to postmodernism and new historicism Literary Theory: The Basics covers contemporary topics including:

• reception theory and reader response theory
• the new criticism of postmodernism
• the 'after theory' debate
• post-humanism, biopolitics and animal studies
• aesthetics

Literary Theory: The...

This comprehensive history of American Literature traces its development from the earliest colonial writings of the late 1500s through to the present day. This lively, engaging and highly accessible guide:

• offers lucid discussions of all major influences and movements such as Puritanism, Transcendentalism, Realism, Naturalism, Modernism and Postmodernism
• draws on the historical, cultural, and political contexts of key literary texts and authors
• covers the whole range of American literature: prose, poetry, theatre and experimental literature
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