Introductory Literary Studies Books

New and Published Books

1. Epic

   By Paul Innes

   Series: The New Critical Idiom

   This student guidebook offers a clear introduction to an often complex and unwieldy area of literary studies. Tracing epic from its ancient and classical roots through postmodern and contemporary examples this volume discusses: a wide range of writers including Homer, Vergil, Ovid, Dante,...

   Published January 29th 2013 by Routledge
2. Ways of Reading

   Advanced Reading Skills for Students of English Literature, 4th Edition

   By Martin Montgomery, Alan Durant, Tom Furniss, Sara Mills

   Ways of Reading is a best-selling textbook for undergraduate students of English Language and English Literature, providing readers with the tools to analyse and interpret the meanings of literary and non-literary texts. Six sections, comprising twenty five self-contained units, cover:...

   Published October 30th 2012 by Routledge
3. Shakespeare: The Basics

   3rd Edition

   By Sean McEvoy

   Series: The Basics

   Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare’s plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across...

   Published May 21st 2012 by Routledge
4. Studying English Literature and Language

   An Introduction and Companion, 3rd Edition

   By Rob Pope

   Studying English Literature and Language is unique in offering both an introduction and a companion for students taking English Literature and Language degrees. Combining the functions of study guide, critical dictionary and text anthology, this is a freshly recast version of the highly acclaimed...

   Published January 19th 2012 by Routledge
5. Using Critical Theory

   How to Read and Write About Literature, 2nd Edition

   By Lois Tyson

   Explaining both why theory is important and how to use it, Lois Tyson introduces beginning students of literature to this often daunting area in a friendly and approachable style. The new edition of this textbook is clearly structured with chapters based on major theories that students are expected...

   Published November 15th 2011 by Routledge
6. The Routledge Concise History of World Literature

   By Theo D'haen

   Series: Routledge Concise Histories of Literature

   This remarkably broad and informative book offers an introduction to and overview of World Literature. Tracing the term from its earliest roots and situating it within a number of relevant contexts from postcolonialism to postmodernism, Theo D’haen examines: the return of the term "world...

   Published October 27th 2011 by Routledge
7. Toni Morrison

   By Pelagia Goulimari

   Series: Routledge Guides to Literature

   Toni Morrison's visionary explorations of freedom and identity, self and community, against the backdrop of African American history have established her as one of the foremost novelists of her time; an artist whose seriousness of purpose and imaginative power have earned her both widespread...

   Published June 21st 2011 by Routledge
8. Intertextuality

   2nd Edition

   By Graham Allen

   Series: The New Critical Idiom

   Theories of intertextuality suggest that meaning in a text can only ever be understood in relation to other texts; no work stands alone but is interlinked with the tradition that came before it and the context in which it is produced. This idea of intertextuality is crucial to understanding...

   Published May 18th 2011 by Routledge
9. The Routledge Concise History of Science Fiction

   By Mark Bould, Sherryl Vint

   Series: Routledge Concise Histories of Literature

   The term ‘science fiction’ has an established common usage, but close examination reveals that writers, fans, editors, scholars, and publishers often use this word in different ways for different reasons. Exploring how science fiction has emerged through competing versions and the struggle to...

   Published February 23rd 2011 by Routledge
10. Poetry: The Basics

    2nd Edition

    By Jeffrey Wainwright

    Series: The Basics

    Now in its second edition, Poetry: The Basics demystifies the traditions and forms of the world of poetry for all those who find it daunting or bewildering. Covering a wide range of poetic voices from Chaucer to children's rhymes, song lyrics and the words of contemporary poets, this book will help...

    Published February 17th 2011 by Routledge