
The Practice of Reading
Interpreting the Novel
Red Globe Press
Published on 19. April 1999
Book
Paperback/Softback
XV, 240 pages
978-0-333-68351-4 (ISBN)
Description
The Practice of Reading is a lucid and lively examination of the art of interpreting the novel in the context of recent developments in literary theory and criticism. Believing that reading is - or should be - a pleasurable, creative activity, the authors analyse a range of seven novels from the eighteenth century to the present, focusing upon the experiential dimensions of the reading process. What is the role of the reader? What happens when a novel is read? How far does meaning depend on the reader, and how far on the text? These and other related questions are explored in readings of novels as diverse as Tristram Shandy, Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, Daniel Deronda, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Beckett's Trilogy and Possession.
In its insistence upon a return to the practice of close reading, the book represents a timely intervention in current literary debates. An accessible, informative and above all stimulating text for all university and college students of literature.
In its insistence upon a return to the practice of close reading, the book represents a timely intervention in current literary debates. An accessible, informative and above all stimulating text for all university and college students of literature.
Reviews / Votes
'An exceptionally attractive selection of titles for a diverse range of critical theoretical perspectives to analyse and evaluate. - John Marland, College of Ripon & York St John '[Alsop and Walsh] hope at the end of their book that they have championed the experience of discovery which (really) is at the heart of the practice of reading. That hope is realized. I found their readings and discoveries lively and insightful. It was a joy to read a book where the writers did not fear to be enthusiastic and to value what they read.' - Carole Cox, The Use of EnglishMore details
Edition
1999
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
344 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-333-68351-4 (9780333683514)
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
07/1999
Palgrave
€155.66
Article exhausted; check different version
Book
07/1999
Palgrave MacMillan
€58.91
Article exhausted; check different version

Book
04/1999
Palgrave Macmillan
€68.20
Article exhausted; check different version
Persons
DEREK ALSOP is Senior Lecturer in English Literature at St Mary's University College, Strawberry Hill.
CHRIS WALSH is Head of English at University College Chester.
CHRIS WALSH is Head of English at University College Chester.
Content
Preface.- Acknowledgements.- List of Editions Used.- Reading and Interpretation.- The Role of the Reader: Tristram Shandy.- The Process of Reading: Pride and Prejudice.- The Experience of Reading: Great Expectations.- Deconstruction and Reading: Daniel Deronda.- Reading as Revelation: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.- Reading the Self: Beckett's Trilogy Molloy; Malone Dies; The Unnamable.- Postmodernist Readings: Possession.- Conclusion.- Notes.- Select Bibliography.- Index.