How to Do Theory

by Wolfgang Iser

This succinct introduction to modern theories of literature and the arts demonstrates how each theory is built and what it can accomplish.

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2005

Reviews

[Burcu]

The only thing I like about this book is the idea behind its structure. The content and style on the other hand don't really work. Its promise to the reader is attractive, in terms of discussion theory. Its approach with examples is important. However, I don't quite understand the theories and their relation to the examples. Maybe it's me, maybe the work is not clear enough... Either way, I still prefer Terry Eagleton's introduction to Literary Theory.

Oh and I should add that if a literary theorist begins by underplaying and looking down upon his own material (in relation to the so-called positive sciences: hard core theory and soft theory?!), it tells a lot about the work itself.

[Jay Rothermel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of jargony, but Iser does his best...