Historical Criticism and the Meaning of Texts

In this original and significant contribution to literary controversy, first published in 1989, Professor Jackson argues on semantic grounds that historical criticism, which he defines as the attempt to read works of literature and criticism as they were read when they were new, is a necessary preliminary to other ways of approaching the literature of the past. He distinguishes between the difficulties inherent in the practice of historical critics and the problems encountered by historians. Historical criticism as he describes it is an ideal that has yet to be attained and he explores strategies for coming closer to it. This title will be of interest to students of literature.

List of contents

Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Triangles of Interpretation 2. Displaced Environments 3. Knowledges of the Past 4. Strategies 5. The Relationship of Historical Criticism to Some Alternative Modes; Notes; References; Index

About the author

J. R. de J. Jackson

Summary

In this original and significant contribution to literary controversy, Professor Jackson argues on semantic grounds that historical criticism, which he defines as the attempt to read works of literature and criticism as they were read when they were new, is a necessary preliminary to other ways of approaching the literature of the past.

Product details

• Authors: Jackson, J R de J Jackson, J. R. De J. Jackson
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.12.2018
• EAN: 9781138683457
• ISBN: 978-1-138-68345-7
• No. of pages: 186
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: Literary Theory; Routledge Library Editions: Literary Theory
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies