Best Literary Theory Books of 2025

Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World is a remarkable work of cultural criticism that challenges conventional views of literature, anthropology, religion, and psychoanalysis. Girard's exploration of "mimesis" and the "scapegoating mechanism" sheds light on how societies resolve conflicts and form social orders. This book is not only a biblical exegesis, but also a social history that delves into the paradoxical relationship between violence and social efficacy. Overall, this book is a brilliant and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in literary theory, anthropology, and social history.

Professing Criticism by John Guillory is a thought-provoking sociological history of literary study, examining both its discipline and profession. Guillory expertly analyzes the contradictions of the discipline, from its ambivalence towards the literary object to its embrace of professionalism that betrays its relation to criticism. He provides a robust outline of five key rationales for literary study, offering a credible account of the discipline's aims. Guillory's fearless account of the challenges facing literary study today, and its ability to serve a clear social purpose, make this book a must-read for scholars and students of literature alike.

Ulysses Annotated: Notes for James Joyce's Ulysses is a specialized encyclopedia that provides annotations to the details that are not in the public realm for most readers. Don Gifford's annotations gloss place names, define slang terms, supply bits of local and Irish legend and lore, and trace literary allusions and references to other cultures. This revised and expanded edition is a must-have for serious readers of Ulysses. It teaches readers to transform the brute fact of the world and is truly useful in explaining puns, jokes, foreign phrases, and many other items. Ulysses Annotated will be one of the most handy and important critical tools for readers.

The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, Third Edition, is a comprehensive and varied selection of literary theory pieces by 157 authors. With 48 new selections concentrated on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the book provides an up-to-date overview of the history and current state of literary theory. The authors, Vincent B. Leitch, William E. Cain, and Laurie A. Finke, are all renowned scholars in the field of American literature and criticism. This anthology is a must-have for anyone looking to understand the development of literary theory and criticism.

This book titled "African Literatures as World Literature" is a collection of essays that explores how African literatures engage with conceptualizations of 'the world' in relation to local social and political issues. It covers a wide variety of geographic, historical, and linguistic contexts, seeking answers to questions such as the topographies of 'the world' in different literary texts and the boundaries and possibilities of the world. The book provides a brilliant, innovative interpretation of literary texts and textual histories, making it an exciting volume that recalibrates the study of world literature from the rich ensemble that is African letters. Overall, it is a well-researched and conceptually ambitious book that does important theoretical work that speaks to the core of world literary studies today.

Of Grammatology by Jacques Derrida is a revolutionary approach to philosophy, literature, and the human sciences. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's careful translation captures the richness and complexity of the original, making it even more accessible and usable. This fortieth anniversary edition features a new afterword by Spivak and an introduction by Judith Butler. One of the most indispensable works of contemporary criticism, Of Grammatology is a must-have in any literary criticism and theory book collection.

The Body in Pain is a groundbreaking study that explores physical suffering and its relation to various cultural forces such as literature, politics, philosophy, religion, and medicine. Elaine Scarry offers a unique perspective on the analysis of pain's inexpressibility, the political ramifications of intentionally inflicted pain in the cases of torture and warfare, and artistic and cultural creation that works against pain. The book is based on a wide range of sources, including literature, art, medical case histories, and military and strategic writings. The Body in Pain is a must-read for those interested in language, philosophy, and literature, and promises to spark widespread debate.

The book "On Dialogue" by David Bohm is a brilliant analysis of the breakdown of communication in society and how creative dialogue can help individuals and society learn more about themselves and others. Bohm's insights on how to listen and create something new in dialogue are highly resonant and relevant in today's world. The book is a must-read for those seeking a renewed sense of purpose and a better way for humanity to discover meaning and achieve harmony.

To Have or To Be? is a remarkable book that presents a new social and psychological revolution for humankind. In this book, Eric Fromm discusses two modes of existence that compete for the spirit of humanity: the having mode and the being mode. Fromm asserts that the having mode, which emphasizes material possessions, power, and aggression, is responsible for the universal evils of greed, envy, and violence. On the other hand, the being mode, which is based on love, sharing, and productive activity, is the solution to socioeconomic change. To Have or To Be? is a brilliant manifesto that provides insight into the human condition and a path to a better world.

An Experiment in Criticism by C.S. Lewis explores the purpose of literature and how it should be judged. Lewis argues that literature should be judged based on the type of reading it inspires and that good reading involves surrendering to the work and entering into the opinions of others. He stresses the importance of approaching literature with an open mind, without any preconceived expectations or values. Amidst the complexity of current critical theories, Lewis's wisdom is refreshing and thought-provoking. This literary criticism and theory book is a valuable addition to any reader's collection.