Catherine Belsey

Gebundenes Buch

Future for Criticism

Beschreibung

A Future for Criticism offers an original approach to the pleasures of fiction, and puts forward an explanation for the neglect of these pleasures in contemporary criticism. Theorist and critic Catherine Belsey argues that current literary commentary singles out thematic issues at the expense of the true motives for reading and theatre-going. As a playful form in which anything can be said, fiction offers, she proposes, exceptionally subtle access to thought-worlds, both past and present. At the same time, it is capable of delivering challenges to the limits of orthodox thinking. Fiction, this engaging manifesto contends, enlists desire. Outlining in a clear, readable style a path that makes a decisive break from outmoded values, Belsey offers a personal prescription for a more open future critical practice, less constrained by conventional pieties and expectations. Widely illustrated with examples throughout the text, this lively and accessible account leads the way to a broad and inclusive cultural criticism.

Autor

Catherine Belsey is a research professor in English at Swansea University, UK. Her principal publications include Shakespeare in Theory and Practice (2008), Why Shakespeare? (2007), Critical Practice (1980, 2002), Poststructuralism: A Very Short Introduction (2002) and Desire: Love Stories in Western Culture (1994).

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Wiley
• Seitenzahl: 160
• Erscheinungstermin: 28. Januar 2011
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 235mm x 157mm x 13mm
• Gewicht: 394g
• ISBN-13: 9781405169578
• ISBN-10: 1405169575
• Artikelnr.: 33269036

Rezensionen

"The unbuttoned directness of this little book is invigorating." - Jean E. Howard (Shakespeare Studies, 2013)

"A Future for Criticism issues a challenge to critics that really amounts to having the courage of our convictions and sticking to what we're good at, resisting the encroachments of history and psychology, and having 'confidence in the independent capabilities of criticism' (76) ... Belsey's book is a positive pleasure to read." (Transnational Literature, November 2011)

"Laudably eschewing jargon, she draws up a very readable manifesto for change in critical practice which would require critics to be more reflective about the pleasure of reading fiction and attending plays . . . nevertheless, the front she has

chosen on which to examine a new direction for literary and/or cultural criticism is timely and compelling, and her argument made with verve and originality." (Suite101.com, 4 April 2011)"A pleasure to read from start to finish. This book will touch evensedated nerves, and bring energy and cheer to anyone who caresabout reading, and about thinking about reading or anythingelse."
--Michael Wood, Princeton University

"This is a hugely appealing book. It is at once glitteringlyclear and intellectually adventurous, and the whole thing hums witha sociable impulse of delight."
--Steven Connor, Birkbeck College, London

"A terrific book-incisive and challenging, accessible andlucid. It should make a stir."
--Coppélia Kahn, Brown University

"Belsey is uniquely qualified both to reexamine the problemsconfronting a post-humanist cultural criticism and to reformulatethe intellectual and political responsibilities they entail. Thisbook does not disappoint expectations. It is a highly readable,utterly compelling polemic, and I cannot recommend itenough."
--Matthew Beaumont, University College, London