Peter Barry (2) (1947–)

Yet another stab at understanding this esoteric discipline! As the author remarks, it appears that after every ten years or so, the body of intellectuals starts a new movement that questions the old and imposes a new standard that aspiring scholars are forced to adhere to. Thus we have structuralism, post-structuralism, deconstructionalism, postmodernism, psychoanalytic criticism, feminist criticism, lesbian/gay ditto, marxist ditto, new historicism and cultural materialism, postcolonial criticism, stylistics, narratology, ecocriticism, and 'theory after theory'. For the average or general reader, it is doubtful whether there will be any gain in understanding of the world by pursuing these lines of intellectualism, so the present book can serve as a convenient summary and a guide to the most relevant additional readings if one is so inclined. Refreshingly, the author makes a valiant effort to bring some practicality and realism to the seemingly endless series of 'isms' he deals with, and seldom descends himself to the type of 'babble-speak' so common among theory writers (thinking of Spivak here!), except regrettably in the last chapter, 'theory after theory'. In conclusion, many of the works cited are central to modern (western) intellectual life, such as Derrida and Foucault and Lacan and so on, but they are of doubtful value to the general reader, who may be content with reading (and re-reading many times!) summaries like the present volume.… (mere)

Beginning Theory offers the literary studies student a fantastic primer to help navigate the often convoluted and complex domain of literary theory. Barry shows us that theory need not be daunting, and successfully manages to convey difficult concepts in a voice that is consistently conversational, and never dry. I appreciated his occasional interjection of self for the way in which it humanised the text. The book covers all the major theoretical approaches from Structuralism, through Psychoanalytic, Marxist, and feminist criticism, as well as newer areas such as Ecocriticism. Barry weaves the theoretical positions of each, within a historical framework. Since all theory arises out of distinct social, cultural and political processes, the historical backdrop provides an additional anchor for learning.

Although this is marketed as a beginner's guide, the breadth of coverage, and expert condensing of detail, makes it a must for any student of literary or cultural studies. I've revisited it again and again during my Masters, and it's now an invaluable addition to my study shelf.… (mere)