Mexican Literature in Theory [Hardcover]

Mexican Literature in Theoryis the first book in any language to engage post-independence Mexican literature from the perspective of current debates in literary and cultural theory. It brings together scholars whose work is defined both by their innovations in the study of Mexican literature and by the theoretical sophistication of their scholarship.

Mexican Literature in Theoryprovides the reader with two contributions. First, it is one of the most complete accounts of Mexican literature available, covering both canonical texts as well as the most important works in contemporary production. Second, each one of the essays is in itself an important contribution to the elucidation of specific texts. Scholars and students in fields such as Latin American studies, comparative literature and literary theory will find in this book compelling readings of literature from a theoretical perspective, methodological suggestions as to how to use current theory in the study of literature, and important debates and revisions of major theoretical works through the lens of Mexican literary works.

The 15 essays offer readings of a wide range of textssome familiar, some newerthrough theoretical lenses that are often surprising. For example, there is a compelling essay on Rosario Castellanos'sBal?n Can?nand its connections to the Southern gothic; Guadalupe Nettel'sEl cuerpo en que nac?is read with disability theory; and Jos? Ram?n Ruis?nchez Serra's theory of the absential is used in reading the work of Amado Nervo. The collection also offers essays on the literature of the Mexican Revolution, violence in contemporary Mexico, and thecartonerapublishing scene in Mexico. Summing Up: Highly recommended. -CHOICEIgnacio M. S?nchez Pradois Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Washington University in Saint Louis, USA. He is the author ofEl canon y sus formas: La reinvenci?n de Harold Bloom y sus lecturas hisplóV