Literary theory is a systematic study of the nature of literature and of the methods for analyzing literature. Literary theory and literary criticism are interpretative tools that enable us to think insightfully about the literature we read. The book throws light on various literary theories and methods of criticism that are widely used to study literature.
It is the result of cumulative endeavor of two erudite teachers with long experience of teaching literary theory. It has been painstakingly written with an eye on the need of postgraduate students of Indian universities who have to deal with the ever-expanding domain of critical, literary and cultural theories. The book explains in a simple language and format, the broad outlines as also the fine nuances of ‘theory’. An extra edge is provided through citations from valuable sources relevant to each area of study.
It will be useful for the students and teachers of English literature and literary theory and criticism, and researchers in these fields.
R.S. Malik retired as Head, P.G. Dept. of English, C.R.A. College, Sonepat (NCR). He has about fifty years of teaching experience of graduate and postgraduate classes. After retirement, he has been on the visiting faculty of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University, Murthal (Sonepat); Gateway Institute of Engg. & Technology, Sonepat; and was Chief Coordinator, NET programme in Hindu Institute of Competitions and Foreign Languages, Sonepat. At present, he is on the visiting faculty of G.V.M. Girls College, Sonepat. Dr. Malik has been a member of the Common Syllabi Committee, M.D. University; the Board of Studies, M.D. University, Rohtak and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He has a large number of books to his credit, including English for UGC/NET/JRF/ SLET. Besides, he has written Better English (Macmillan); A Textbook of English Grammar and Composition for college students and History of English Literature from Chaucer to 1800.
Jagdish Batra, Professor Emeritus of English (JJTU), is presently Head of the English Language Centre at O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonepat (NCR). He worked as Associate Professor and Head of the P.G. Dept. of English, Hindu College, Sonepat. He has also served as Principal of Hindu Institute of Competitions and Foreign Languages. He was awarded the Graduate Fellowship Award of the Rotary International and was also a member of the G.S.E. team to the U.S.A. He has guided many M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars of different universities and earned reputation as a perceptive critic. The books published by him include T.S. Eliot: A Deconstructive Reading, Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake: A Critical Study; Rohinton Mistry: Identity, Values and Other Sociological Concerns; Form and Style in Indian English Fiction; and 21st Century Indian English Novel in English: Emerging Issues and Challenges.
