Peculiar Language

Peculiar Language

by Derek Attridge (Author)

Synopsis

First published in 1988, Peculiar Language is now established as one of the most important discussions of the language of literature. This thought-provoking book challenges traditional notions of literary criticism, arguing that all attempts by writers, critics and literary theorists to define the language of literature have involved self-contradiction. Through examination of key moments in literary history, Derek Attridge demonstrates that such contradictions in accounts of literary language are embedded in our cultural concept of 'literature' and asserts that in order to appreciate the forces that determine the limits of literary language, we must look beyond the realm of the 'literary' and embrace the wider political and social sphere. Re-issued as a result of sustained critical interest in the book, this edition includes a new preface by the author.

$43.20

Quantity

5 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 280
Edition: 2
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 27 May 2004

ISBN 10: 0415340586
ISBN 13: 9780415340588

Media Reviews
Lovers of literature have been coming out of the closet in departments of English and philosophy alike, eager to update the old defences of poetry and even speaking without shame of a new aestheticism. If they do succeed in restoring literature to its rightful throne, and setting criticism back beside it as the queen of the sciences Walter Benjamin held it to be, they will owe no small debt to the trailblazing work of Derek Attridge
.
-Kiernan Ryan, Times Higher Education Supplement, 2005
Author Bio
Derek Attridge is Professor of English at the University of York, England. He is the author and editor of leading texts on fiction, poetry and literary theory.