This book offers a history of literary criticism from Plato to the present, arguing that this history can best be seen as a dialogue among three traditions - the Platonic, Neoplatonic, and the humanistic, originated by Aristotle. There are many histories of literary criticism, but this is the first to clarify our understanding of the many seemingly incommensurable approaches employed over the centuries by reference to the three traditions. Making its case by careful analyses of individual critics, the book argues for the relevance of the humanistic tradition in the twenty-first century and beyond.

"James Seaton is the only writer discussing the humanist tradition who has sufficient depth of learning to take it back to its origins in Plato and Aristotle. He has shown more clearly than anyone else the paradox of postmodernist theory that nothing can be certain except the postmodernists' own certainty that nothing is certain. This book is sui generis because he offers a practical alternative to the current reign of "theory" and "cultural studies". His characteristic virtues as an essayist and literary critic - discrimination, undogmatic flexibility and vast learning - come through with great force in this book. Seaton is a writer deserving - no, demanding - serious attention." 

Edward Alexander, University of Washington

"This book discusses one of the most pressing issues besetting literary studies in higher education - the disengagement of the field from the cultural norms and interests of the American public. James Seaton approaches the issue in a scholarly manner, outlining two intellectual traditions that relate to the trend. The first charts a progressive disconnection of the literary critic from the reading public, and Seaton assigns it significant blame for the sliding fortunes of literary studies. The second exemplifies humanistic inquiry that takes literature as a special cultural object, incorporating theory but striving to integrate it into discourse that is accessible to educated laypersons while aiming to communicate with general readers and align intellectual values with bourgeois values. Seaton aims to steer literary scholars and teachers away from the first lineage and toward the second. We need this argument." 

Mark Bauerlein, Emory University, Atlanta

"... [Seaton's] take on the recent history of literary criticism returns important voices to the conversation. He also issues a timely call for well-written literary criticism ..." 

Steven Knepper, The Hedgehog Review

"... profound and crisply written ... Seaton builds a strong case for humanism, and it is all the stronger because he follows his own rule of academic integrity." 

Gary Saul Morson, The New Criterion

"... a much-needed reassessment of the two major traditions of Western literary criticism. ... [it] is among the most thoughtful and informed recent assessments of the present state of literary criticism ... one can only express deep appreciation for the author's painstaking efforts. ... Seaton has produced a superb analysis of some of the most pressing of critical issues. ... It is a book that has much to offer to all students of the humanities." 

Jeffrey Folks, Modern Age