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Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Good introduction to 'new' ideas in culture Subjects such as literature and the history of art have undergone a revolution since the 1970s or thereabouts as many theories and techniques from other disciplines are now routinely used as approaches to discuss text. This book contains a discussion of all the usual ideas e.g. Marxist, Semiotics, psychoanalysis, gender and so on. I agree that some of these approaches may give one additional insight into a book or picture. I am sometimes sceptical of the use made of these ideas by some critics... more info
A Useful Text 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 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! 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!!!