''How to Read Literature Like a Professor'' is a
''New York Times'' bestseller by Thomas C. Foster that was published in 2003. The author suggests interpretations of themes, concepts, and symbols commonly found in literature. The book brands itself as "A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines," and is commonly used throughout advanced English courses in the United States.
The book also includes sample interpretations of
Katherine Mansfield
Kathleen Mansfield Murry (née Beauchamp; 14 October 1888 – 9 January 1923) was a New Zealand writer, essayist and journalist, widely considered one of the most influential and important authors of the modernist movement. Her works are celebra ...
's short story, "
The Garden Party".
The author's simple, methodical take on literary interpretation has fallen under the scrutiny of literary experts, such as the English professor and biographer Alan Jacobs, who questions the value of the book's premise and criticizes the idea that "reading is best done by highly trained, professionally accredited experts."
See also
* ''
How to Read a Book
''How to Read a Book'' is a book by the American philosopher Mortimer J. Adler. Originally published in 1940, it was heavily revised for a 1972 edition, co-authored by Adler with editor Charles Van Doren. The 1972 revision gives guidelines for ...
''
*
Reading (process)
Reading is the process of taking in the sense or meaning of letters, symbols, etc., especially by sight or touch.
For educators and researchers, reading is a multifaceted process involving such areas as word recognition, orthography (spelling) ...
References
2003 non-fiction books
Books about books
Literary criticism
{{lit-book-stub