An anthology of exemplary readings by some of the twentieth century's foremost literary critics. It presents a range of responses to the question at the heart of literary criticism: how best to read a text to understand its meaning.

"This is an important anthology that challenges the assumption of a radical break between formalism and the criticism that followed it. Andrew DuBois's fine introductory essay usefully fills out the history of the New Criticism, while forcing a reconsideration of some currently widespread theoretical assumptions. The thoughtfully chosen essays anthologized in "Close Reading" persuasively demonstrate the continuities between formalist and post-formalist criticism and, at the same time, show students the value of close and critical reading."--Suzy Anger, University of Maryland, Baltimore County