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This remarkably broad and informative book offers an introduction to and overview of world literature. Tracing the term from its earliest roots and situating it within a number of relevant contexts from postcolonialism to postmodernism, Theo D'haen examines: The return of the term world literature and its changing meaning. Goethe's concept of Weltliteratur and how this relates to current debates. Theories and theorists who have had an impact on world literature. Non-canonical and less-known literatures from around the globe. The possibility and implications of a definition of world literature. This book is the ideal guide to an increasingly popular and important term in literary studies. It is accessible and engaging and will be invaluable to students of world literature, comparative literature, translation and postcolonial studies and anyone with an interest in these or related topics.
This book investigates the historical evolution, theoretical underpinnings, and shifting definitions of the term 'world literature' within the context of global literary studies. Theo D'haen, a scholar of comparative literature, synthesizes decades of academic discourse to map how the concept has transitioned from Goethe's original humanist ideal to a contemporary pedagogical and systemic construct. By examining the intersection of translation, postcolonialism, and postmodernism, the author provides a framework for understanding how non-canonical and global literatures are integrated into the broader study of world letters.
What You Will Find
Experts identify this work as a foundational text for students navigating the complexities of comparative and world literature programs. Readers frequently note the clarity of the prose, which manages to distill dense theoretical debates into an accessible format for academic study.
Page Count:
201
Publication Date:
2012-01-01
Publisher:
Routledge
ISBN-10:
0203803752
ISBN-13:
9780203803752
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