Genres in Discourse

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Genres in Discourse
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Tzvetan Todorov
Translated by Catherine Porter
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:148
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreLiterary theory
ISBN/Barcode 9780521349994
ClassificationsDewey:801.9
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 31 August 1990
Publication Country United Kingdom

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 ask 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. In the final section, Todorov examines individual authors as case studies: among them Poe, Dostoyevsky, Baudelaire, Conrad, and James.

Reviews

"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