Theory's Empire: An Anthology of Dissent
This is a splendid anthology that evaluates, puts into perspective and thoughtfully criticizes contemporary literary and cultural theory. A welcome alternative to dogmatic thought, this book is designed to generate a lively debate. A must for every serious student of literature and culture.(Thomas Pavel, University of Chicago, author ofThe Spell of Language: Poststructuralism and Speculation)Patai and Corral'sTheory's Empirerepresents the invigorating leading edge of a new diversity of thought in the academy, the vision of a healthy skeptical approach to what has become theoretical orthodoxy and dogmatism.(Jon Erickson, Ohio State University, author ofThe Fate of the Object: From Modern Object to Postmodern Sign)If you never quite believed that thought is the same as action, that fact is irrelevant, that declaration amounts to proof, or that cultures rather than individuals compose works of art, you will discover inTheory's Empirewhy you are neither deluded nor delusional. Theories may help scholarship seem relevant, but they are no substitute for empirical evidence, logical argument, and plain old common sense.(Mary Lefkowitz, Wellesley College, author ofNot Out Of Africa: How Afrocentrism Became AnExcuse To Teach Myth As History.)Superb introductions, guaranteed to stir every reader dejected by deconstruction.(Library Journal1900-01-00)Clearly, this is not your father's textbook; it's closer toThe Norton Anthology of Screw-the Academy(Michael PotemraNational Review)A sign that things may be changing...its 47 contributors patiently dissect all aspects of theory.(James SeatonWall Street Journal)Theory's Empireis important because it shows that the opposition to theory is not just the preserve of intellectual lightweights.(William PannapackerChronicle of Higher Education)This is a valuable book for scholars and for those encountering literary theory for the first time... Recommended.(Choice)Theory's Empireis a unique documentation of an intellectual deformation that still affects the way literature is studied.(Brian Vickers, A 2005 Book of the YearTimes Literary Supplement)Patai and Corral waste no time and pull no punches.(Michael BerubeCommon Review1900-01-00)Theory's Empireoffers a powerful retrospective on the rise of "Theory" in the American academy.(Sara Castro-KlarenModern Language Notes1900-01-00)