Critical Theory Since Plato

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Summary: Adams presents a useful srvey of critical history.
Review: In Critical Theory Since Plato, Hazard Adams surveys the history of criticsm from Plato through the post-structuralists. Considering the exhaustive nature of his topic, Adams does a good job of presenting a balanced view of the subject. The essays are arranged chronologically, allowing the reader to survey not only a particular author, but the development of critical theory as well. Each essay is prefaced by an introduction by Adams. These introductions are helpful to a newcomer to the subject. A student with no experience working with critical theory, though, may also find it helpful to purchase a critical theory handbook, such as those available by Eagleton. Still, there is no substitute for the original sources, and Adams has compiled a useful, lively textbook. See also Critical Theory Since 1965 by the same author.

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Summary: Critical Critical Theory
Review: The title says it all. Hazard Adams has compiled a collection of essays, dialogs, excerpts, etc. from Plato to Postmodernism. The selections made could be called the critical pieces of Critical Theory.

I purchased this book to accompany a college level course on Literary Theory, and it served excellently in that capacity. This book is not, however, self-explanatory. You should have some kind of background in theory before diving into this book. The introductions to the book, and to the beginning of each selection are generally enlightening, but still require some basic knowledge of the field. If you haven't had a formal introduction to theory, you may want to purchase a guide, or take a course on it before beginning this book.

However, if you have a good grasp of basic theory, this is an excellent book to help guide you deeper into the field.