Wilfred Bion and Literary Criticism

Wilfred Bion's work provides new insights for psychoanalytic literary criticism and creative writing, offering an engaging introduction to his key ideas and exploring the impact of his personal experiences during the First World War. The first full-length study to explore his potential for literary criticism, the book will be of interest to scholars of creative writing, literary criticism, and psychoanalysis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Wilfred Bion, a renowned British psychoanalyst, delves into the realm of literary criticism in his groundbreaking work, Wilfred Bion and Literary Criticism. This comprehensive exploration unveils the immense potential of Bion's ideas for understanding literature, the creative process, and creative writing. While Bion's work may be less familiar than that of Freud or Lacan, it offers unique insights into psychoanalytic literary criticism and creative writing. For those new to Bion's work, this book serves as an engaging introduction to several of his key concepts, including his theory of thinking, the container/contained relationship, alpha-function, alpha-elements, beta-elements, and bizarre objects. It also provides a gateway into his experimental masterpiece, A Memoir of the Future, and explores the profound impact of his personal experiences as an officer during the First World War.

Throughout each chapter of Wilfred Bion and Literary Criticism, Bion's theory is applied to creative texts by renowned figures such as Sigmund Freud, Stevie Smith, B.S. Johnson, Mary Butts, Jean Rhys, Nicholas Royle, J.G. Ballard, and Wilfred Bion himself. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a deep exploration of the interplay between psychology and literature, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of artistic expression.

Wilfred Bion and Literary Criticism is the first comprehensive study to explore the potential of Bion's ideas for literary criticism. Written in a clear and accessible style, it introduces Bion's complex and extensive work to a new audience, making it an invaluable resource for scholars of creative writing, literary criticism, and psychoanalysis. By delving into the complexities of Bion's theory and his distinctive style, this book offers fresh perspectives on the art of writing and the human psyche.

In conclusion, Wilfred Bion and Literary Criticism is a groundbreaking work that opens up new avenues for understanding literature, the creative process, and creative writing. By exploring the work of this influential psychoanalyst, this book provides valuable insights into the human mind and the power of artistic expression. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to the field, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology and literature.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367439453