Postmodernism. Feminism. Bakhtin. New Historicism. Kristeva. Hermeneutics. Cultural Studies. Said. Deconstruction. Semiotics. Over the past generation, literary theory and criticism have become the focus of intellectual activity in the humanities and social sciences--often sparking interest and debate beyond university classrooms in discussions of "political correctness," multiculturalism, and educational reform. The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism is a major new reference book designed to serve as an international, encyclopedic guide to the important figures, schools, and movements in this influential and expanding area of study.

While concentrating on the explosion of contemporary critical and theoretical works, the Guide provides a comprehensive historical survey of ideas and individuals ranging from Plato and Aristotle to twentieth-century scholars. It includes nearly 200 alphabetically arranged entries on critics and theorists, critical schools and movements, and the critical and theoretical innovations of specific countries and historicalperiods. It also examines developments in other disciplines which have shaped literary theory and criticism.

Also available in an online edition. Go to http://www.press.jhu.edu/books/groden/ for subscription information.