On Realism

First published in 1973, On Realism is a comprehensive introduction to the complex problem of literary realism. Written from both a critical and philosophical perspective, the book brings together the concrete study of literary cases and the conceptual analysis of the terms used in describing them. It uses examples drawn from a wide range of European literature and engages in philosophical discussion to argue for a richer and freer sense of the concept than was more commonly in favour at the tim