Overview

First Published in 2003. In this book on what theory means today, the general editor of the Norton Anthology of Criticism and Theory explores how theory has altered the way the humanities do business. Theory got personal, went global, became popular, and in the process has changed everything we thought we knew about intellectual life. One of the most adroit and perceptive observers of the critical scene, Vincent Leitch offers these engaging snapshots to show how theory is at work. This is an utterly readable little book by one of our best historians on the theoretical turn that over the past thirty years has so powerfully changed the academy.

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9780415967174

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Reviews

"""Theory Matters is an authoritative and informed assessment of the current state of theory, which Vincent Leitch describes as ""disaggregated"" or ""disorganized,"" a condition not of debility but of responsiveness to the cultural and socioeconomic conditions of contemporary society."" -- John Guillory ""In this readable book, Vincent Leitch provides a stimulating (and well organized!) overview of postmodern 'disorganization.' The chapters on the making of the Norton Anthology of Criticism and Theory are a special bonus."" -- Gerald Graff, Professor of English and Education, University of Illinois at Chicago ""In this engaging and readable collection of essays, Vincent B. Leitch offers a diagnosis of the current state of literary and cultural studies."" -- Josh Cohen, Literary Theory"

Theory Matters is an authoritative and informed assessment of the current state of theory, which Vincent Leitch describes as disaggregated or disorganized, a condition not of debility but of responsiveness to the cultural and socioeconomic conditions of contemporary society. -- John Guillory In this readable book, Vincent Leitch provides a stimulating (and well organized!) overview of postmodern 'disorganization.' The chapters on the making of the Norton Anthology of Criticism and Theory are a special bonus. -- Gerald Graff, Professor of English and Education, University of Illinois at Chicago In this engaging and readable collection of essays, Vincent B. Leitch offers a diagnosis of the current state of literary and cultural studies. -- Josh Cohen, Literary Theory

Author Information

Vincent Leitch holds the Paul and Carol Daube Sutton Chair in English at the University of Oklahoma. He is the general editor of the Norton Anthology of Criticism and Theory. His own books include Deconstructive Criticism (Columbia 1983), American Literary Criticism from the 1930s to the 1980s (Columbia, 1988), which was a Choice Outstanding Book, as well as two smaller books on theory from SUNY

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