Beginning Theory

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A Useful Text - Rated
This book has some great summary sections which are invaluable when revising and trying to learn key points of each theory. However Barry does tend to 'waffle' a bit in places, sometimes making it difficult to understand and there are some errors in the book itself. But it is definately worth getting for the summaries alone, but make sure it is supported by another text.

Great book - Rated
As a student at Peter Barry's institution, The University of Wales, Aberystwyth I was pleased to find that one of my own tutors had written an accessible alternative to Rivkin and Ryan. This work serves as a fantastic introduction to literary theory and will please beginners and pros alike.

5 Stars! - Rated
Peter Barry's book is very inspiring to read. I have brought many books to help grasp an understanding on literary theory but I have to say none have explained it quite as well as Peter Barry. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory covers a wide range of areas, the language is simplistic and each theory is explained clearly and with examples. I have also gained a much better understanding on how Freudian interpretation works. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

Book covers:
Liberal Humanism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism and deconstruction, Postmodernism, Psychoanalytic criticism, Feminist criticism, Lesbian/Gay criticism, Marxist criticism, New historicism and cultural materialism, Postcolonial criticism, Stylistics, Narratology and Ecocriticism.

an excellent introduction/refresher course - Rated
This book provides a great introduction to the world of theory which often confuses first year literature students and puts them off the study of english. It explains, unlike other texts, how the concept of theory emerges. As a postgrad student, I was aware I needed to brush up on the dreaded theory so I picked up this introduction, and was pleasantly surprised. So much more accessible than Rivkin and Ryan!

Beginning Theory - Rated
This faithful 'bible' was always my first port of call for all of my critical theory assignments throughout 3 years at university. For a straight answer to questions such as 'What is postmodernism' or 'What Feminist critics do' etc this is a must have book.