This text combines of survey, reader and workbook which is suitable for the beginning student of literary theory. The work is divided into seven chapters, each of which contains guiding commentary, examples from literary and critical works, and a variety of exercises. Each chapter includes a glossary and annotated selection of suggested further reading, and there is also a full bibliography. The authors cover the key issues and debates of literary theory, including: language, linguistics and literature; structures of literature; literature and history; subjectivity, psychoanalysis and criticism; reading, writing and reception; women, literature and criticism; and literature, criticism and cultural identity.