Postwar literature, 1950 to 1990, the York Notes Companion, by William May

Minsk State Linguistic University, Professor

The Companion to postwar British literature is a valuable contribution not only to the study, but also to a more profound research into the issues of the literary process, trends and schools, as well as styles and genres. The volume is one of those "wide-coverage” editions which are not much in favour with trendy modern scholars who rely on personalities and individual styles. However, it is this type of manuals that can provide a student or a literature teacher with contexts and connections - the indispensible components of any academic discipline which an “author-focused” book cannot do.

As a production in the field of literary studies, the Companion helpfully provides basic characteristics of various literary genres, both in prose and poetry. William May presents very precise and well-informed profiles of each trend in contemporary British literature he explores in the book: the moral novel, postmodern fiction, as well as lyric and drama. One of the attractions of such a volume is its composition: the chapters are subdivided into headed parts, thus facilitating the readers' work with the necessary information. Moreover, Dr. May's commentaries are supported with interesting references to poetry and philosophy. They provide both

® Marina Ragachewskaya, 2012

strictly analytical and contextual interpretations of numerous novels compiled into thematic chapters. The bibliographic material is amazingly rich and varied. This fact enhances the reliability of the commentaries provided, provokes further research and connects the book to other important resources.

As of the present moment, I can confirm the practicability and theoretical usefulness of Dr. May's book. It appeared to be a good support in the preparation of the text of my post-doctoral thesis, as well as research papers and PHD dissertations on such aspects of contemporary literature as the work of Iris Murdoch, Julian Barnes, Angela Carter and Graham Swift.

Книга Уильяма Мэя Послевоенная литература, 1950-1990 (York Notes Companion)

Марина Рагачевская

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• SECTION 8

STUDENT ESSAYS