Exploring the works of a diverse group of 20th century writers including D.H. Lawrence, H.L. Mencken, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Jacques Derrida, this book provides an accessible scholarly introduction to modern literary theory and criticism, placing various modes of criticism in their historical and intellectual contexts.

Vol. 2 is missing from the series.

This comprehensive guide to the history of literary criticism from antiquity to the present day provides an authoritative overview of the major movements, figures, and texts of literary criticism, as well as surveying their cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts. Supplies the cultural, historical and philosophical background to the literary criticism of each era Enables students to see the development of literary criticism in context Organised chronologically, from classical literary criticism through to deconstruction Considers a wide range of thinkers and events from the French Revolution to Freud’s views on civilization Can be used alongside any anthology of literary criticism or as a coherent stand-alone introduction

Literary Criticism from Plato to the Present provides a concise and authoritative overview of the development of Western literary criticism and theory from the Classical period to the present day An indispensable and intellectually stimulating introduction to the history of literary criticism and theory Introduces the major movements, figures, and texts of literary criticism Provides historical context and shows the interconnections between various theories An ideal text for all students of literature and criticism

The final volume of René Wellek's monumental history of modern criticism is a comprehensive survey of the main currents of twentieth-century criticism in Western Europe. In this volume, as in the preceding books of the series, Wellek expounds and analyzes the work of the most prominent critics, offering succinct appraisals of his subjects both as individuals and as participants in the broader movements of the century. Contents I. French Criticism, 1900-1950 French Classical Criticism in the Twentieth Century Retrospect: Alain, Rémy de Gourmont The Nouvelle Revue Française: André Gide, Jacques Rivière, Ramón Fernández, Benjamin Crémiuex, Albert Thibaudet Marcel Proust The Catholic Renaissance: Charles Du Bos, Jacques Maritain and Henri Bremond, Paul Claudel Dada and Surrealism The Geneva School: Marcel Raymond, Albert Béguin, Georges Poulet Albert Camus Jean-Paul Sartre Paul Valéry Prospect II. Italian Criticism, 1900-1950 Benedetto Croce The Followers of Croce: Luigi Russo, Francesco Flora, Mario Fubini, Attilio Momigliano The Aestheticians: Giuseppe Antonio Borgese, Alfredo Gargiulo Critics concerned with English and American literature: Cesare Pavese, Mario Praz, Emilio Cecchi Italian Marxism: Antonio Gramesci, Giacomo Debenedetti The Catholic Renaissance: Carlo Bo The Close Readers: Renato Serra, Giuseppe De Robertis, Cesare De Lollis, Eugenio Montale III. Spanish Criticism, 1900-1950 Américo Castro Miguel de Unamuno Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo and Ramón Menéndez Pidal Azorín Salvador de Madariaga Jorge Guillén Dámaso Alonso José Ortega y Gasset