Dictionary of Literary Genres
Słownik rodzajów i gatunków literackich

Summary/Abstract: In general, it can be argued that albeit some very significant work has been done, the theory of genres has not been the object of sustained initiative by any major theorist or critical movement. As a result, contemporary critics and theorists of literature find themselves with comparatively little to say about one of the most basic categories of their study. It is in this context that the appearance of an anthology by Grzegorz Gazda and Słowinia Tynecka-Makowiecka is groundbreaking. It assembles more than 600 articles representing theoretical work on genre done by various scholars contributing to a theoretical journal Zagadnienia Rodzajów Literackich, published since 1958 in Lodz. In addition to providing a generally useful publication, the Glossary of Literary Kinds and Genres has framed the outstanding legacy of the Stefania Skwarczyńska’s school and its theoretical work on genre. Although genre theory as presented in the book may be criticised for being conservative, the overall outcome provides an unparalleled publication, having few global-scale competitors in critical theory.

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