A new edition of one of the market leading texts for those interested in critical theory and its effect on our reading of the English literary canon. Renowned for its accessible, witty style, the new edition is updated throughout and contains four new chapters to reflect the continuing development of the subject. * The key elements of this book that make it so popular are its clear, highly accessible articulation of ideas, the wide range of texts used as illustrative examples, and its witty, humourous style. * Number 1 textbook on our Literature list. * Literary Theory & Criticism is the only major, core course in English departments - every Literature student will study it. * A new chapter on Creative Writing - currently the biggest 'growth area' in the Humanities in the UK.