Doing Things with Texts: Essays in Criticism and Critical Theory

Doing Things with Texts collects key essays from M.H. Abrams' influential career as a literary critic and theorist. The pieces span several decades of scholarship and showcase Abrams' work on critical approaches, interpretation methods, and the relationship between literature and philosophy. The essays examine fundamental questions about how readers engage with texts and how meaning is created through interpretation. Abrams addresses topics like the role of the author, the nature of metaphor, and the different schools of literary criticism that emerged in the 20th century. This collection demonstrates Abrams' significant impact on the field of literary studies and his role in shaping modern critical theory. His analysis of Romantic poetry and exploration of how literary works function as both mirrors and lamps remain central to discussions of literature and criticism. The book presents a vision of literary criticism that balances close textual analysis with broader historical and philosophical contexts, suggesting that understanding literature requires both technical skill and human insight. Through these essays, Abrams articulates an enduring framework for approaching and interpreting literary works.

Readers note this collection of Abrams' essays provides clear explanations of complex literary theory concepts. Multiple reviews cite his accessible writing style and ability to break down abstract ideas. Liked: - Clear analysis of critical theory movements - Thorough examples and case studies - Strong organization that builds concepts progressively - Balanced treatment of different critical approaches Disliked: - Some essays repeat similar points made elsewhere in the book - Technical language can be dense for beginners - A few readers found the New Criticism chapters dated Ratings/Reviews: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (32 ratings) "Explains theoretical concepts without unnecessary jargon" - Goodreads reviewer "The essays on critical orientations and historical criticism are particularly valuable" - Academic reviewer Limited review data exists online for this academic text. Most discussion appears in scholarly citations rather than consumer reviews.

Critical Theory Since Plato by Hazard Adams A comprehensive collection of critical essays traces the evolution of literary theory from classical times through postmodernism with primary source writings from major theorists.

The Critical Tradition by David H. Richter This anthology presents key texts from the history of literary criticism and theory, organized chronologically to demonstrate the development of critical thought about literature.

Literary Theory: An Introduction by Terry Eagleton The text examines major schools of literary criticism while connecting theoretical approaches to their historical and cultural contexts.

Critical Theory Today by Lois Tyson The book provides systematic explanations of major critical theories through practical applications to literary texts and cultural phenomena.

The Mirror and the Lamp by M. H. Abrams This work traces the transformation of literary theory from classical mimetic approaches to romantic expressionism through analysis of fundamental metaphors in criticism.

📚 M.H. Abrams served as the general editor of "The Norton Anthology of English Literature" for 40 years, shaping how generations of students encountered classic literature. 🎓 The essays in this collection were written over several decades, reflecting Abrams' evolution from a New Critic to a champion of historical and biographical approaches to literature. 💡 The book's title deliberately echoes J.L. Austin's "How to Do Things with Words," suggesting literature's performative power rather than just its meaning. 🌟 Abrams coined the influential terms "mirror" and "lamp" to describe the shift from neoclassical to romantic theories of art - concepts he explored further in this collection. 📖 Though published in 1989, many of the essays in this book began as lectures at Cornell University, where Abrams taught for nearly 70 years, including during his emeritus years until age 102.