A Short History of Literary Criticism

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Finn

A Short History of Literary Criticism by Vernon Hall provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of critical theory and literary analysis throughout Western history. The text serves as an essential reference for scholars and students interested in understanding the development of aesthetic standards, rhetorical traditions, and the shifting methodologies employed by critics to evaluate literary works across various eras. By tracing the progression of thought from classical foundations to modern frameworks, the book offers a structured exploration of the discipline's intellectual milestones. It meticulously catalogues the foundational texts and influential figures that have shaped the discourse of literary studies over centuries. This edition, published by The Merlin Press, preserves the significant academic insights originally presented by the New York University Press in 1963, ensuring the historical continuity of critical inquiry. The work functions both as an academic record and an analytical survey, aiding readers in navigating the complex landscape of how literature has been perceived, interpreted, and institutionalized within the broader context of humanities education and professional literary criticism.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages211

Reading Time5 h 25 min

AccessFree to download

A Short History of Literary Criticism

Publication and Edition Details

Historical Context of the Work

FAQs

Who is the author of A Short History of Literary Criticism?

The book is authored by Vernon Hall.

When was this specific edition of the work published?

This edition was published by The Merlin Press Ltd. in London, with copyright originally held by New York University Press in 1963.

What is the primary subject matter of this book?

The book explores the historical development and evolution of literary criticism as a formal discipline of study.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Finn