Historicism

Historicism is a critical movement which has existed in some form from Ancient Greece to modern times. But what exactly does it entail? This volume provides a guide to the history of the term, its uses and the critical terminology of historicist approaches. It discusses the major thinkers in historicism, both past and present, and guides readers through the vocabulary required to engage with crucial texts in the field. It explains the place of historicism within literary theory and outlines the differences between historicism and new historicism. The book also demonstrates the ways in which historicist approaches might shed new light on contemporary debates around post-colonialism, feminism and, in this second edition, globalization. It should be useful reading for any student new to the sometimes bewildering field of literary theory, or those looking to explore historicist approaches in greater depth.