Genres in Discourse

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Author:

Tzvetan Todorov
Catherine Porter

Published:

August 1990

Availability:

Available

Format:

Paperback

ISBN:

9780521349994

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Description

This is a collection in translation of recent essays by Tzvetan Todorov, one of the most eminent of today's literary critics. The essays concentrate on the idea of genre, literary or otherwise, and asks such questions as: What is literature? What is genre? Which are the major literary genres? In the first section, Todorov proposes definitions for the notions of literature, discourse, and genre. Following is a general discussion of the two principal literary genres, fiction and poetry. Finally, in the third section of essays, Todorov examines individual authors as case studies: among them Poe, Dostoyevsky, Baudelaire, Conrad, and James.

Tightly focused essays by one of the most eminent of today's theorists
Key reading for students on courses of literary theory (i.e. what Falck is attacking in Myth, Truth and Literature)

Reviews & endorsements

"Although Todorov is operating within the realm of high theory, he constructs most arguments from meticulous readings of individual texts. Unlike the bravura gestures of critics such as Harold Bloom, Todorov's close readings are quieter. Like embroidery examined with a magnifying glass, they impress by their intricacy and refinement....he is amazing." Village Voice

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