Criticism and Truth: On Method in Literary Studies

Criticism and Truth, by Jonathan Kramnick, offers a defense and celebration of the discipline of literary studies and its distinctive practice of close reading, which is a creative, immersive, and transformative writing practice that fosters a unique kind of engagement with the world. It argues that close reading is an invaluable form of humanistic expertise and that the study of literature should be defended within a multidisciplinary university.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In his groundbreaking book, Criticism and Truth, Jonathan Kramnick delves into the power of close reading as a distinctive practice within literary studies. Widely recognized as the hallmark technique of literary analysis, close reading serves as a critical tool for scholars to pursue arguments, advance knowledge, and teach essential skills in English majors. However, Kramnick argues that close reading is much more than a mere method; it is a creative, immersive, and transformative writing practice that fosters a unique engagement with the world.

Drawing from a diverse range of contemporary criticism, Kramnick challenges our understanding of fundamental literary analysis tools such as in-text quotation, summary, and other reading methods. He presents them as invaluable forms of humanistic expertise, capable of enriching our understanding of literature and the world around us.

Criticism and Truth serves as a rallying cry, advocating for the importance of literature and criticism within a multidisciplinary university. In the face of the challenges faced by the humanities in contemporary higher education, Kramnick argues that the study of literature does not need further reform but rather a defense of the work that is already being done. He provides a compelling account of why literature should flourish and why close reading is a vital component of this endeavor.

In a concise and accessible format, Criticism and Truth offers a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of literature and criticism. It provides a robust defense of the discipline and its unique practice, while also offering insights into the broader implications of close reading for our understanding of the world. Through his meticulous analysis and compelling arguments, Kramnick invites us to reevaluate the role of literature and criticism in shaping our intellectual and cultural landscape.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226830537