Choice 评论

O'Gorman (Univ. of Leeds, UK) functions as more author than editor in this second volume in the "Blackwell Guides to Criticism" series, providing a lucid, readable narrative accessible to the nonspecialist. This book differs from collections of critical essays such as those edited by Harold Bloom on specific authors and works because O'Gorman provides excerpts, rather than full essays, and puts them within a narrative, summarizing and critiquing them, pointing out relationships among critical positions, and discussing texts not included. The book examines criticism of the Victorian novel generally, but privileges Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre. A historical perspective is established with such early-20th-century critics as George Saintsbury, but most of the book treats the last decades of the century. The chapters define "significant themes," excerpting pivotal samples from perspectives of feminism, new historicism, literature and science, history of the book, and postcolonialism, followed by an account of the debate generated. O'Gorman does not espouse one particular persuasion but gives a balanced view. In its definition and summary of current critical theories, the book will prove useful to all students of literature, not just those interested in the Victorian period. Highly recommended for all collections. M. S. Stephenson University of Texas at Brownsville