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Definitions of humanism have evolved throughout the centuries as the term has been adopted for a variety of purposes. This book offers an introduction to the many uses of this influential yet complex concept and includes a discussion of the key figures in humanist debate from Erasmus and Milton to Chomsky, Heidegger and Foucault.

An overview of the history and structure of irony, this guide traces its use through history, from Greek times to the Romantic period and on to the postmodern era. It looks closely at the work of Socrates and the more contemporary theorists; explores the philosophical, literary and political dimensions; and applies theories to literary texts.

A guide to the myriad definitions and meanings of "ideology", this title traces the history of the term and the debates which surround it, from Machiavelli to the present day; asks why ideology matters; and examines ideology within the critical frameworks of empiricism, idealism, Marxism, post-Marxism and postmodernism.

This revised edition provides a broad analysis of the term 'discourse' and a thorough examination of the many theoretical assumptions surrounding it.

This invaluable handbook, provides clear definitions and distinctions between the terms and helps to navigate the complexities of magic, magical and marvellous realism within art and literary criticism.

Includes a history of science fiction, and the ways in, which the genre has been used and defined. This book provides explanations of key concepts in science fiction criticism and theory. It introduces the reader to nineteenth-century, Pulp, Golden Age, New Wave, Feminist, and Cyberpunk science fictions.

Illustrates the relation between myth, culture and literature with discussions of poetry, fiction, film and popular song; explores uses made of the term 'myth' within the fields of literary criticism, anthropology, cultural studies, feminism, Marxism and psychoanalysis.

The concept of gender continues to be a central issue in literary and cultural studies, with a significance that crosses disciplinary boundaries and provokes lively debate. This book presents an overview of the language and concepts surrounding gender from their historical inception to contemporary debates.

Aidan Day considers the history and usage of the term Romanticism, and the changing views and debates which surround it. He traces its history through 19th and 20th-century readings, incorporating contemporary debates such as feminism, post-structuralism and new historicism.

An introductory text to the history, major writers and critical issues of this genre, this volume clarifies the different uses of pastoral covering: the history of the genre; the pastoral impulse of retreat and return; and an examination post-pastoral texts.

Often derided as an inferior form of literature, 'romance' as a literary mode or genre defies satisfactory definition. This useful guidebook charts the transformations of 'romance' throughout literary history and explores its use.

If every writer necessarily draws on their own life, is any writing outside the realm of 'autobiography'? This guide includes developments in autobiographical criticism, highlighting major theoretical issues and concepts different forms of the genre. It offers an introduction to the study of a fascinating genre.

A stimulating, interdisciplinary survey of the conceptual and political issues involved in the notion of twentieth-century culture. This accessible study introduces important theorists including Freud, Woolf, Orwell, and Sartre.

A guide to enable students to understand and apply historicist approaches, this title: explains the theory and practice of historicism; presents the history of the term and its uses; introduces key thinkers in the field; and considers historicism in relation to contemporary debates, such as post-colonialism, feminism and globalization.

An increasingly popular genre, addressing issues of space, language, colonialism, globalization and politics, travel writing offers the reader a movement between the familiar and the unknown. This book offers a useful introduction for those new to the subject, as well as a crucial overview of the terminology, history and debates within the field.

Botting expertly introduces the transformations of the gothic through history, discussing key figures such as ghosts, monsters and vampires, as well as tracing its origins, characteristics, cultural significance and critical interpretations.

This clear introduction explains technical terms such as iambic pentameter and syllabics, defines verse metres such as blank and free verse and illustrates a variety of forms, from the sonnet to freer modes favoured by contemporary writers.

This text explores the concept of these related terms and considers the complex relationship that exists between all three. This useful guidebook is an essential read for any student of literature, drama, theatre and performance studies.

Theories of sexuality and desire are commonly used in literary and cultural studies. This study introduces readers to the fundamental critical debates surrounding the topic. It includes a discussion of queer and transgender theory, race, ethnicity and desire; and a preface summarising changes in the field since the first edition.