Plot Summary

Marxism and Literature

Raymond Williams
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Marxism and Literature

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1977

Book Brief

Raymond Williams

Marxism and Literature

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1977
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1977

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1440L

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Super Short Summary

Marxism and Literature by Raymond Williams, first published in 1977 by Oxford University Press, critiques traditional Marxist principles and literary theories while introducing the concept of cultural materialism. Williams addresses issues within Marxist critiques of arts, culture, and language, emphasizing their dynamic, non-static nature, and argues for integrating cultural and literary theories to reimagine Marxism.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,702 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Raymond Williams' Marxism and Literature is praised for its comprehensive analysis of the intersection between Marxist theory and literary studies. Critics laud its theoretical depth and innovative approach to cultural materialism. However, some find the dense prose challenging and its academic rigor potentially inaccessible to general readers. Overall, it's a seminal text in literary theory. Marxism and Literature. Oxford UP, 1977.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Marxism and Literature?

Readers of Raymond Williams’s Marxism and Literature are likely academics, students, and intellectuals interested in Marxist theory and cultural studies. Comparable to those who appreciate Louis Althusser’s Reading Capital or Terry Eagleton’s Literary Theory, they seek a deep understanding of the intersection between ideology, literature, and culture.

4.3

1,702 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Marxism and Literature is a significant work by Raymond Williams that synthesizes linguistic, cultural, and sociopolitical analysis to explore the intersection of art and society.

Raymond Williams, a founding figure in the field of cultural studies, challenges traditional Marxist views by emphasizing the role of cultural and ideological factors in shaping social realities, which he notably explores in this work.

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The book is known for introducing the concept of "structures of feeling," which refers to the ways in which particular societies and time periods express unique lived experiences and emotions.

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Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1977

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1440L

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