Dictionary of Concepts in Literary Criticism and Theory

(Hardback)

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Not a general dictionary of literary terms, the "Dictionary of Concepts in Literary Criticism and Theory" treats 70 fundamental and overarching concepts from "allegory" and "allusion" to "tragedy" and "unity". By concepts is meant broad terms that designate modes of thought about, approaches to, or major classifications of literature that are of central importance to the history or present pursuit of literary criticism and commentary. Particular attention has been given to distinguishing the different senses in which a term has been used or is presently used, to noting major questions that have been debated in relation to the concept, and to documenting points of view and specific aspects with full references. Additional sources of information are appended in each case.

Reviews

.,."an excellent guide to the ideas informing contemporary literary study. I most admire Harris's thoroughness, fairness, and clarity. His array of concepts is remarkably complete. In discussing controversial developments such as feminist criticism and deconstruction, he is even-handed and calm, attentive to the debates surrounding these kinds of criticism but respectful of both sides. An he does a fine job elucidating without oversimplifying difficult ideas."-English Language Notes
...an excellent guide to the ideas informing contemporary literary study. I most admire Harris's thoroughness, fairness, and clarity. His array of concepts is remarkably complete. In discussing controversial developments such as feminist criticism and deconstruction, he is even-handed and calm, attentive to the debates surrounding these kinds of criticism but respectful of both sides. An he does a fine job elucidating without oversimplifying difficult ideas.-English Language Notes
Because Harris is an able scholar and a lucid writer, his essays on particular terms are superior. . . . He is certainly adept at incorporating every essential critical remark on a term, thereby imbuing each term with the utmost meaning. . . . Strongly recommended for all literature collections.-ARBA 93
Recommended for graduate students and researchers.-Choice
Seventy concepts (as opposed to more narrow "terms") are here defined in five-to-seven-page entries that include a current definition, etymology with a reliance on many definitive quotations, annotated reference cited in the etymological section, and a brief bibliographical essay elucidating other sources. This dictionary is exceptional for its extremely useful bibliographical information and relatively few entries, which are treated much more in depth than in similar dictionaries (with upwards of 2000 definitions). This last feature is not necessarily a liability, as the index leads the user to terminology not found as a main heading. The dictionary covers established concepts (e.g., allegory and metaphor) as well as prevailing trends (e.g., Marxist and feminist criticism ) in academe. Highly recommended as an indispensable reference tool for both students and researchers.-Library Journal
..."an excellent guide to the ideas informing contemporary literary study. I most admire Harris's thoroughness, fairness, and clarity. His array of concepts is remarkably complete. In discussing controversial developments such as feminist criticism and deconstruction, he is even-handed and calm, attentive to the debates surrounding these kinds of criticism but respectful of both sides. An he does a fine job elucidating without oversimplifying difficult ideas."-English Language Notes
"Because Harris is an able scholar and a lucid writer, his essays on particular terms are superior. . . . He is certainly adept at incorporating every essential critical remark on a term, thereby imbuing each term with the utmost meaning. . . . Strongly recommended for all literature collections."-ARBA 93
"Recommended for graduate students and researchers."-Choice
"Seventy concepts (as opposed to more narrow "terms") are here defined in five-to-seven-page entries that include a current definition, etymology with a reliance on many definitive quotations, annotated reference cited in the etymological section, and a brief bibliographical essay elucidating other sources. This dictionary is exceptional for its extremely useful bibliographical information and relatively few entries, which are treated much more in depth than in similar dictionaries (with upwards of 2000 definitions). This last feature is not necessarily a liability, as the index leads the user to terminology not found as a main heading. The dictionary covers established concepts (e.g., allegory and metaphor) as well as prevailing trends (e.g., Marxist and feminist criticism ) in academe. Highly recommended as an indispensable reference tool for both students and researchers."-Library Journal

Author Bio

WENDELL V. HARRIS is Professor of English at Pennsylvania State University. His academic specialities in literary theory and Victorian literature are reflected in his previous books, including British Short Fiction of the Nineteenth Century, The Omnipresent Debate, and Interpretive Acts.