Description

What exactly is 'modernism'? And how has the critical definition of the word changed?

Exploring shifting understandings of modernism from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, this is a concise critical history of modernist criticism. Taking an accessible chronological approach, Modernism: Evolution of An Idea covers such topics as:

-Early debates, from Calinescu's Five Faces of Modernity to The New Age magazine and writer-critics such as T.S. Eliot and Cyril Connolly
-New Criticism and the forming of the modernist canon
-The rise of Theory - from Derrida and Houston Baker to the Frankfurt School
-New modernist studies and contemporary approaches: from international modernisms to engagements with race, sexuality and gender

With annotated guides to further reading throughout and a companion website with additional resources, this is an essential survey for students and scholars working in modernist studies at all levels.