F R Leavis is one of the most influential thinkers in twentieth-century theory. Drawing on the work of F R Leavis and the repercussions and responses that have arisen from it, this book examines concepts including: culture; mass; civilisation; tradition; practical criticism; and, life.

F.R. Leavis is one of the most influential thinkers in twentieth-century theory. Although his outspoken and confrontational work has often provoked strong attack, there is an increased interest in Leavis as students and critics alike are revisiting his work and re-affirming his position as a key figure in the development of contemporary theory. Drawing on the work of F.R. Leavis and the repercussions and responses that have arisen from it, Richard Storer examines concepts including: culture; mass; civilisation; tradition; practical criticism; and, life. Emphasising the significance of F.R. Leavis to the work of all contemporary theorists and to literature in general, this study is an invaluable guide to one of the core figures in literary and critical theory.

1. Why Leavis?
2. Situating Leavis
3. Literary Criticism, Literary Theory and Philosophy
4. Culture
5. New Bearings
6. Great Traditions
7. Close Reading
8. English, Education and the University
9. 'Life'
10. After Leavis
11. Further Reading