Literary Interest: The Limits of Anti-Formalism

Is there such a thing as a specifically discourse, distinguishable from other modes of thought and writing? Is there any way to defend intuition that a work of literature says something that can't be said in any other way? Drawing on recent work in philosophies of language and action, Steven Knapp presents a challenging new definition of the literary in a forceful analysis that will radically change sometimes heated debate about formalism. Formalist theorists have maintained that uniqueness of lies in special nature of language. Their critics argue that to draw sharp distinctions between and nonliterary language is to privilege one kind of text and to insulate cultural activity from social conflict and political change. In course of a rigorous engagement with such theorists, old and new, Knapp develops a provocative defense of notion of a uniquely mode of discourse-a defense that challenges proponents as well as critics of formalism. He extends and deepens current debates about canon, purpose of study, and aims and implications of recent critical return to history. His bold and surprising argument has significance for ethical and political role of studies that no one interested in theory or philosophy of art will be able to ignore. Literary Interest will engage theorists, critics in all fields, and philosophers addressing issues of aesthetics and language.