Literature

This introductory volume provides an overview of the history of Literature as a cultural concept, and reflects on the contemporary nature, place and function of what the literary might mean for us today. Literature:
* offers a concise history of the canonic concept of 'literature' from its earliest origins
* illustrates the kinds of theoretical issues which are currently invoked by the term 'literary'
* provides a definition of the 'literary' for the twenty-first century
With Literature Peter Widdowson provides a thought-provoking essay on the contemporary relevance of the 'literary' for students.

List of contents

Chapter 1 what is 'Literature'?; Chapter 2 What has 'Literature' Been?; Chapter 3 What has Happened to 'Literature'?; Chapter 4 What is 'The Literary'?; Chapter 5 The Uses of 'The Literary'; Chapter 6 Watch this Space;

About the author

Peter Widdowson is Professor of Literature at Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education. He edited Re-Reading English, and is the author of books on Thomas Hardy, E.M. Forster and contemporary literary theory.

Summary

This brilliant guide provides an introductory overview of the history of 'literature' as a cultural concept, reflecting on its contemporary nature, place and function, and what the literary might mean for us today.

Product details

• Authors: Peter Widdowson, Widdowson Peter
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 10.12.1998
• EAN: 9780415169141
• ISBN: 978-0-415-16914-1
• No. of pages: 240
• Series: The New Critical Idiom
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; LITERARY CRITICISM / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Literary studies: general, Literary theory