Lively, original and highly readable, An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory is the essential guide to literary studies. Starting at âThe Beginningâ and concluding with âThe Endâ, chapters range from the familiar, such as âCharacterâ, âNarrativeâ and âThe Authorâ, to the more unusual, such as âSecretsâ, âPleasureâ and âGhostsâ. Now in its sixth edition, Bennett and Royleâs classic textbook successfully illuminates complex ideas by engaging directly with literary works, so that a reading of Jane Eyre opens up ways of thinking about racial difference, for example, while Chaucer, Monty Python and Hilary Mantel are all invoked in a discussion of literature and laughter.The sixth edition has been revised and updated throughout. In addition, four new chapters â âLiteratureâ, âLossâ, âHumanâ and âMigrantâ â engage with exciting recent developments in literary studies. As well as fully up-to-date further reading sections at the end of each chapter, the book contains a comprehensive bibliography and an invaluable glossary of key literary terms.A breath of fresh air in a field that can often seem dry and dauntingly theoretical, this book will open the readerâs eyes to the exhilarating possibilities of reading and studying literature.