William Empson

William Empson (1906–84) was one of the twentieth century's most distinctive critical voices, and left a profound mark upon Anglo-American literary culture. Published in 1993, this book was the first full study of Empson's literary criticism in its various aspects, taking account of recent developments in critical theory and of Empson's complex - at times deeply antagonistic - attitude towards those developments. In their diversity of viewpoint and critical approach the nine essays reflect this sturdy resistance to fashionable trends of 'Eng. Lit.' opinion. Topics include the relations between Empson and Derrida's approaches to the issue of textual 'undecidability', and Empson's prominent (if unwilling role) in the shaping of English as an academic discourse. Christopher Norris's extended introduction charts the ground and offers a major revaluation of Empson's place in the theoretical tradition.

• First full study, taking account of recent developments in critical theory, of one of the century's greatest critics
• Nine essays by experts supplemented by a substantial introduction by leading writer on modern theory, Christopher Norris
• Offers a revaluation of William Empson in relation to other critical traditions and assesses his achievement
• A diversity of viewpoints is brought to bear upon Empson's work, revealing it in new lights