Ways of Reading is a best-selling textbook for undergraduate students of English Language and English Literature, providing readers with the tools to analyse and interpret the meanings of literary and non-literary texts.
Six sections, comprising twenty five self-contained units, cover:
- techniques of analysis and problem-solving
- language variation
- attributing meaning
- poetic uses of language
- narrative
- drama and performance texts
The book combines the linguistic and literary background to each topic with discussion of examples from books, poems, magazines and online sources, and links those examples to follow-up practical activities and a list of titles for further reading.
This fourth edition has been redesigned and updated throughout, with many fresh examples and exercises. Further reading suggestions have been brought up to date and new material on electronic sources and the Internet has been integrated. Ways of Reading continues to be the core resource for students of English Language and Literature.
Table of Contents:
Section 1: Basic techniques and problem-solving 1. Asking Questions as a Way into Reading 2. Using Information Sources 3.Analysing Units of Structure 4. Recognizing Genre Section 2: Language variation 5. Language and Time 6. Language and Place 7. Language and Context: Register 8. Language and Gender 9. Language and Society Section 3: Attributing meaning 10. Metaphor and Figurative Language 11. Irony 12. Juxtaposition 13. Allusion and Intertextuality 14. Authorship and Intention 15. Mode of Address: Positioning the Reader Section 4: Poetic form 16. Rhyme and Sound Patterning 17. Verse, Metre and Rhythm 18. Parallelism 19. Deviation Section 5: Narrative 20. Narrative 21. Narrative Point of View 22. Speech and Narration 23. Narrative Realism Section 6: Drama and performance 24. Ways of Reading Drama 25. Performance and the Page
About the Author :
Martin Montgomery is Head of the Department of English at the University of Macau. He is the author of An Introduction to Language and Society (Routledge, 1995) and is a contributor to several books and journals.
Alan Durant is Professor of Communication at Middlesex University, UK. His books include Meaning in the Media: Discourse, Controversy and Debate (2010), Language and Media (co-written with Marina Lambrou, Routledge, 2009), How to Write Essays and Dissertations: A Guide for English Literature Students (co-written with Nigel Fabb, 2006).
Tom Furniss is Senior Lecturer in English Studies at the University of Strathclyde, UK. His books include Reading Poetry: An Introduction 2nd edition (co-written with Michael Bath, 2007).
Sara Mills is Professor in the Department of English Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Her books include Language, Gender and Feminism (2011) Feminist Stylistics (1995), and Discourse (1997), all published by Routledge.
Review :
Praise for the first edition:
'Ways of Reading is a valuable and immensely usable book ... More than fills a major gap.' – Literature & Language
'This is a clear and incisive introduction to main issues in the critical study of literature.' - Robin Jarvis, University of the West of England, UK
Praise for the third edition:
'...ground-breaking... The academic underpinning is just where it should be, in the background, allowing prominence for the much more important idea that looking at reading in new ways gives new insights and new pleasures... This is an ideal book for teachers of English at all levels... Third editions can sometimes seem to be marginally altered versions of the previous editions. It is certainly not the case here. Do read this superb book.' - Adrian Beard, NATE
'Ways of Reading is the one textbook that no undergraduate student of English can afford to do without. Whether for their essays in literary criticism or literary theory, this book is an invaluable resource providing expert guidance and relevant information. Each chapter offers clear explanations of theoretical concepts and practical applications of interpretive techniques. This richly revised fourth edition confirms its ever-rising popularity as a key textbook in English Studies, with exciting new material and fresh examples.'
Jean-Jacques Weber, University of Luxembourg
'Ways of Reading is by far the most lucid and lively guide to the skills of reading. Beginners and advanced students alike will find clearly set out in this book the concepts and techniques, examples and exercises, that can help them become active and critical readers of all kinds of literary and media discourse.'
Douglas Kerr, Hong Kong University
‘This comprehensive introduction to the study of literature deftly balances a focus on practical techniques with a considered handling of theoretical approaches. Undergraduate students – and their lecturers – will welcome in particular its clarity, topical examples and accessibility.’
Julie Scanlon, Northumbria University, UK
