Tthis book is divided into five parts and covers:- representation - subjectivity - form, struclture and system - history and society - moralaity, class and idealogy. Each part contains several thematic sections in which extracts from different writers and periods are juxtaposed. The study of literary theory has tended to concentrate on very recent developments. This volume, however,establishes both a sense of the continuities from Plato to the present day as well as the discontinuities. These are presented through comparisons and contrasts across the entire field of critical history. /With introductions and reading lists for each section lthis book will serve a number of purposes. Ideal for abny student needing tot possess an historical perspective on critical theory, it is also a valuable source book for students, scholars and critics who wish to familiarise or refamiliarise themsleves with aspects of theory.