Literary Theory Criticism

The forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion tells the earlier history of Middle-earth, recounting the events of the First and Second Ages, and introducing some of the key characters, such as Galadriel, Elrond, Elendil and the Dark Lord, Sauron. The tales of The Silmarillion are set...

In this quintessential work of queer theory, Jack Halberstam takes aim at the protected status of male masculinity and shows that female masculinity has offered a distinct alternative to it for well over two centuries. Demonstrating how female masculinity is not some bad imitation of virility, but a lively and dramatic staging of hybrid and minority genders, Halberstam catalogs the diversity of gender expressions among masculine women from 19th-century pre-lesbian practices to contemporary drag-king performances.

In Thomas Ligotti's first nonfiction outing, an examination of the meaning (or meaninglessness) of life through an insightful, unsparing argument that proves the greatest horrors are not the products of our imagination but instead are found in reality. "There is a signature motif discernible in...

This national bestseller is "a significant contribution to discussions of the art of fiction and a necessary challenge to received views about whose stories are told, how they are told and for whom they are intended" (Laila Lalami, The New York Times Book Review). The traditional writing...

**Narrated by the Author!** A Most Anticipated Book of 2026 by Ms. Magazine A raw and lyrical exploration of the confining expectations of womanhood and, if we dare, what lies beyond those limitations—from a writer Roxane Gay calls “vibrant and thoughtful.” Gorgeous, badass, and...

Forty essays on history, art, and literature to lift your mind and spirit. Guy Davenport serves as the listener's guide through history and literature, providing links between music and sculpture, modernist poets and classic philosophers, the past and present-pointing out the values and avenues of thought that have shaped our ideas and our thinking.

An electrifying new study that investigates the challenges of the Bard’s inconsistencies and flaws, and focuses on revealing—not resolving—the ambiguities of the plays and their changing topicality A genius and prophet whose timeless works encapsulate the human condition like no other. A...

Rescuing the subject from dry abstractions, Clare Connors focuses on the real questions that emerge when we read and study literature - such as how we find meaning and how literature relates to its historical context - before exploring the response of theorists. Using selections from works including poetry by Christina Rossetti and Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain, Connors unites theory with practice, revealing how enjoyable it is to think about reading.

Unlock the hidden patterns that shape language, culture, and society with this complete guide to structuralism. Structuralism Explained: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Philosophy, Theory, and Influence of Structuralist Thought takes readers on a journey through one of the most important intellectual movements of the twentieth century. From Ferdinand de Saussure’s revolutionary ideas about language to Claude Lévi-Strauss’s groundbreaking studies of myth and culture, this book clearly explains how structuralism transformed linguistics, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and ...

Anne Carson's remarkable first book about the paradoxical nature of romantic love Since it was first published, Eros the Bittersweet, Anne Carson's lyrical meditation on love in ancient Greek literature and philosophy, has established itself as a favorite among an unusually broad audience...

Discover the timeless wisdom of Aristotle and how his Poetics continues to shape literature, theater, and storytelling today. For more than two thousand years, Aristotle’s Poetics has stood as one of the most influential works in literary history. In Aristotle and the Art of Poetics: Exploring His Enduring Influence on Literature and Storytelling, The Practical Atlas takes readers on a clear and engaging journey through Aristotle’s vision of tragedy, epic, and comedy, revealing why his ideas remain vital for understanding the power of stories. From Aristotle’s definition of tragedy ...

A hilarious and incisive exploration of the joys of reading from a teacher, bibliophile, and Thurber Prize Semifinalist We read to escape, to learn, to find love, to feel seen. We read to encounter new worlds, to discover new recipes, to find connection across difference, or simply to pass a...

Harry Potter has provided a portal to the wizarding world for millions of listeners, but an examination of Harry, his friends, and his enemies will take us on yet another journey: through the psyche of the muggle (and wizard!) mind. In The Psychology of Harry Potter, leading psychologists delve into the ultimate Chamber of Secrets, analyzing human mind and motivation by examining the themes and characters that make the Harry Potter books the best-selling fantasy series of all time.  

The Follow-up to the Award-Winning The Wisdom of Hobbits, Mimetic Theory & Middle-earth: Untangling Desire in Tolkien's Legendarium, by long-time author Matthew J. Distefano, delves deeply into J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, using René Girard's mimetic theory as the primary lens through which to view the good professor’s legendary texts.

A pithy and brilliant introduction to Susan Sontag’s writing on women, gathering early essays on aging, equality, beauty, sexuality, and fascism Susan Sontag was one of the most formidable, original, and influential thinkers of the last century. “The most interesting ideas are heresies,”...

Repulsive and yet strangely attractive, the gimmick is a form that can be found virtually everywhere in capitalism. It comes in many guises: a musical hook, a financial strategy, a striptease, a novel of ideas. Above all, acclaimed theorist Sianne Ngai argues, the gimmick strikes us both as working too little (a labor-saving trick) and as working too hard (a strained effort to get our attention).

Modernism In T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land: Decoding Elements of Modernism in Literature"Modernism In T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land" offers a comprehensive exploration of T.S. Eliot's iconic masterpiece, "The Waste Land." Dive into the depths of modernism in literature and uncover the intricate layers of this enigmatic work, dissecting its elements with a critical eye. For modernist literature enthusiasts and T.S. Eliot admirers, don't miss this comprehensive guide to decoding the modernist elements within 'The Waste Land.' 'Modernism in T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land': A Critical Analysis' ...

The New York Times bestselling author and renowned clinical psychologist teaches women how to transcend their fears and illusions, break free from societal expectations, and rediscover the person they were always meant to be: fully present, conscious and happy. A Radical Awakening lays out a...

Dive into an intellectually stimulating journey with "Intriguing Insights" - the ultimate guide to literary criticism and interpretation! This compendium of knowledge is designed to bridge the gap between those who appreciate literature and those who want to analyze it at a deeper level. Prepare to embark on an expedition that will inject a fresh perspective into your love for the written word. In this comprehensive volume, you'll journey through various approaches to literary theory, delving into the captivating world of Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Hermeneutics, Reader-Response ...

Embark on an exhilarating expedition into the heart of postmodern thought in "Fragmented Realities: Unraveling the Threads of Postmodern Thought." This book serves as your compass through the provocative terrain of postmodernism, a philosophical movement that challenges conventional notions of objective truth and underlines the role of language and power in shaping reality. With engaging prose and a clear, jargon-free narrative, this book unveils the multifaceted landscape of postmodern theory, its significant implications in academia and sociopolitical realms, and its resonance in ...