An Introduction to Queer Literary Studies: Reading Queerly

An Introduction to Queer Literary Studies: Reading Queerly provides an accessible introduction to queer theory for students of literature, tracing the emergence of queer theory from gay and lesbian studies and exploring its theoretical treatments of sexual identity, gender, and sexual norms, negativity and utopianism, economics and neoliberalism, and AIDS activism and disability. It offers readings of primary texts and demonstrates how queer reading methods work alongside other methods like feminism, historicism, deconstruction, and psychoanalysis, inviting literature students to develop queer readings of their own and emphasizing that reading queerly is not simply a matter of reading work written by queer people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

An Introduction to Queer Literary Studies: Reading Queerly is a groundbreaking primer on queer theory, tailored specifically for students of literature. This comprehensive book traces the evolution of queer theory from its roots in gay and lesbian studies, highlighting the unique perspective of queer scholars in their interpretation of renowned English language works.

The text is organized thematically, delving into diverse aspects of queer theory, including sexual identity, gender and sexual norms, negativity and utopianism, economics and neoliberalism, and AIDS activism and disability. Each chapter expounds upon foundational works by esteemed scholars such as Michel Foucault, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, and Lee Edelman, while also offering critical readings of primary texts, spanning from classical masterpieces like John Milton's Paradise Lost to contemporary popular fiction like Stephen King's Salem's Lot.

Throughout the book, An Introduction to Queer Literary Studies: Reading Queerly showcases the interplay between queer reading methods and other analytical frameworks such as feminism, historicism, deconstruction, and psychoanalysis. By modeling queer readings, the book encourages literature students to develop their own unique interpretations and perspectives. Moreover, it emphasizes that queer reading extends beyond the mere consumption of work written by queer individuals, as it attunes us to the inherent queerness present even in the most seemingly straightforward texts.

In conclusion, An Introduction to Queer Literary Studies: Reading Queerly is a vital resource for students seeking to understand the complexities of queer theory and its application to literature. Through its thematic organization, critical readings, and interdisciplinary approach, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible entry point into the field, empowering students to develop queer readings and engage with the rich diversity of queer literature and culture.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367677985