Joseph Conrad's Critical Reception

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Joseph Conrad's scholarship and criticism, tracing the evolution of commentary from his first book to the present, evaluating his impact on critical trends, and making it an essential resource for scholars and students of English literature and literary criticism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Joseph Conrad's novels and short stories have consistently figured into and helped to define the dominant trends in literary criticism. This book is the first to provide a thorough yet accessible overview of Conrad scholarship and criticism spanning the entire history of Conrad studies, from the 1895 publication of his first book, Almayer's Folly, to the present. While tracing the general evolution of the commentary surrounding Conrad's work, John G. Peters' careful analysis also evaluates Conrad's impact on critical trends such as the belles lettres tradition, the New Criticism, psychoanalysis, structuralist and post-structuralist criticism, narratology, postcolonial studies, gender and women's studies, and ecocriticism. The breadth and scope of Peters's study make this text an essential resource for Conrad scholars and students of English literature and literary criticism.

Introduction:
Joseph Conrad's literary legacy is unparalleled, with his novels and short stories consistently shaping and defining the dominant trends in literary criticism throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This book aims to provide a comprehensive yet accessible overview of Conrad scholarship and criticism, spanning the entire history of Conrad studies, from the publication of his first book, Almayer's Folly, in 1895 to the present.

The Evolution of Conrad Criticism:
John G. Peters' study delves into the evolution of the commentary surrounding Conrad's work, tracing the shifts and developments in critical approaches over time. He explores the various schools of thought that have influenced Conrad scholarship, including the belles lettres tradition, the New Criticism, psychoanalysis, structuralist and post-structuralist criticism, narratology, postcolonial studies, gender and women's studies, and ecocriticism. Peters' analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how Conrad's work has been interpreted and analyzed by different scholars, highlighting the significant impact he has had on these critical trends.

Conrad's Influence on Critical Trends:
In addition to tracing the evolution of commentary, Peters' study evaluates Conrad's impact on critical trends such as the belles lettres tradition, the New Criticism, psychoanalysis, structuralist and post-structuralist criticism, narratology, postcolonial studies, gender and women's studies, and ecocriticism. He explores how Conrad's writing has influenced these fields, challenging traditional notions of literature and critiquing the power structures that shape our understanding of the world.

Conclusion:
Joseph Conrad's novels and short stories have left an indelible mark on literary criticism, and this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students seeking to understand his work and its significance in the broader context of literary studies. John G. Peters' comprehensive analysis provides a deep understanding of Conrad's legacy, making this text an essential resource for Conrad scholars and students of English literature and literary criticism.

ISBN-13: 9781108798570