The Function of Criticism by Terry Eagleton

The Function of Criticism by Terry Eagleton

This wide-ranging book argues that criticism emerged in early bourgeois society as a central feature of a "public sphere" in which political, ethical, and literary judgements could mingle under the benign rule of reason. The disintegration of this fragile culture brought on a crisis in criticism, whose history since the 18th century has been fraught with ambivalence and anxiety. Eagleton's account embraces Addison and Steele, Johnson and the 19-century reviewers, such critics as Arnold and Stephen, the heyday of Scrutiny and New Criticism, and finally the proliferation of avant-garde literary theories such as deconstructionism. The Function of Criticism is nothing less than a history and critique of the "critical institution" itself. Eagleton's judgements on individual critics are sharp and illuminating, which his general argument raises crucial questions about the relations between language, literature and politics.

Eagleton is second to none among cultural critics writing in the English language today* Guardian *
Eagleton is a combative, fiercely articulate and witty Marxist literary critic. * The Nation *

Terry Eagleton is Professor of Cultural Theory and John Rylands Fellow, University of Manchester. His other books include Ideology; The Function of Criticism; Heathcliff and the Great Hunger; Against the Grain; Walter Benjamin; and Criticism and Ideology, all from Verso.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781844670550
ISBN 10	1844670554
Title	The Function of Criticism
Author	Terry Eagleton
Series	Radical Thinkers
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Verso Books
Year published	2006-01-17
Number of pages	138
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable