Summary: Publisher Summary 1 A new edition of a classic treatise on literary theory seeks to develop a sophisticated relationship between Marxism and literary criticism, evaluating the key works of such figures as Lenin, Trostsky, and Sartre as well as canonical writers including Charles Dickens and T. S. Eliot to demonstrate how ideology can play a productive and subversive role in literature. Reprint.   Publisher Summary 2 Influential Marxist literary critic Eagleton (cultural theory, U. of Manchester, UK) first published this work in 1976. It represents one of his earliest efforts at constructing a materialist aesthetics of literature and a Marxist critique of traditional literary theory. This new edition adds a new foreword in which Eagleton reflects on the work in the light of the political and cultural changes of the past 30 years. Annotation 漏2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)   Publisher Summary 3 Terry Eagleton is one of the most important-and most radical-theorists writing today. His witty and acerbic attacks on contemporary culture and society are read and enjoyed by many, and his studies of literature are regarded as classics of contemporary criticism.In this new edition of his groundbreaking treatise on literary theory, Eagleton seeks to develop a sophisticated relationship between Marxism and literary criticism.Ranging across the key works of Raymond Williams, Lenin, Trostsky, Brecht, Adorno, Benjamin, Lukacs and Sartre, he develops a nuanced critique of traditional literary criticism while producing a compelling theoretical account of ideology.Eagleton uses this perspective to offer fascinating analyses of canonical writers, including George Eliot, Charles Dickens, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce and D.H. Lawrence.The new introduction sets this classic book in the context of its first appearance and Eagleton provides illuminating reflections on the progress of literary study over the years.   Publisher Summary 4 The fiery literary and cultural critic returns with a new edition of his classic work.