An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory offers a new way of thinking about literature and what is involved in reading critically. Literary theory is a core subject in the study of literature.But theory - especially when it takes the form of 'isms' - can often be intimidating or boring for students. Bennett and Royle have avoided simply giving potted summaries of 'isms' and instead present brief essays on a range of key critical concepts all of which have more or less familiar names. These concepts are put into practice through readings of particular literary texts.