A Reader Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory is a classic introduction to the complex yet crucial area of literary theory. This book is known for its clear, accessible style and its thorough, logical approach, guiding the reader through the essentials of literary theory. It includes two new chapters: ew Materialisms?which incorporates ecocriticism, animal studies, posthumanism and thing theory; ?1st Century and Future Developments?which includes technology, digital humanities, ethics and affect.