Literary Theory: The Basics

The best intro to lit theory there is.

Good introduction to literary theory. I am pleased with the depth and breadth of coverage. The "readability" of the book is fine as well; theory has the potential to be some REALLY dry stuff, but Bertens makes it palatable without watering it down any more than necessary. I gave it four stars only because I reserve five stars for items that really knock my socks off. "Basics" was good and well worth the rather low price.

An exhaustive look at the foundations of literary theory, with detailed examinations of the different forms of literary criticism. I especially enjoyed the sections on poststructuralism, deconstruction, and postmodernism, although they did result in a sharp increase of my TBR list. A must read for any student of literature.

This book is the best by far in terms of lucidity and approachability. He demystifies and descarifies many difficult areas of theory. His historical approach (he begins mid-Victorian and moves from there through New Criticism, Formalism and the like) really helps show how each idea evolved from, and is indebted to, the other schools of theory. A brilliant book, which I cannot recommend highly enough!

I'm unsure of what I'm reading, but it is not "the basics" of Literary Theory. My eyes have glazed over. I have no clue what this author is trying to say, except he likes to use many vocabulary words, indeed trying to "show off" his language skills. Unimpressive. I would like to understand what you're trying to teach me.This book was forced upon me for a grad school literary criticism class. I currently have a 4.0. With this book mainly teaching me during my asynchronous learning format, I will surely fail.I now have to waste more money trying to find a book to explain this subject to me.

I can't say enough good things about this book and its author, Bertens. We are using this as one of our textbooks in an advanced Contemporary Literary Theory class. The readings that we have to do by literary theorists (Derrida & ilk) are often confusing, but the Bertens book ties everything together in easy-to-understand language. I never approach the book as a "chore," rather, it is a joy. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a clear, concise, well-written introduction to modern literary theory. It includes such topics as Formalism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Post-Colonialism, and Feminist Theory, among others.

This was a pretty helpful intro to literary theory. I just wanted to note that the page numbers in the index at the back of the 2nd edition are all wrong. To find something, subtract 4 from the page # listed; for example, the reference to Balzac is actually on page 70, not 74. Annoying!

This is a good book for college students studying English, but it is a super-dry read. I bought another book that is basically the same thing. The other was easier to read, and it comes with better examples. This book has a lot of information and you will need to re-read the same section multiple times to fully understand was is being discussed.

very good would use again

Contrary to the title, Hans Bertens has clearly more to offer than "the basics". Excellent for all those who need to develop a historical vision of literary theory and of the evolution of ideas in that domain.

A useful book written in an easy-to-understand way. Very good for students who are new to literary theory and the theorists.