Robert Eaglestone is Professor of Contemporary Literature and Thought at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.Jonathan Beecher Field is Associate Professor of English at Clemson University, USA.

'Designed to help the student "think like a critic," Eaglestone and Field's splendid new book Studying English will also help them enjoy the process. Students--and their professors--should celebrate the arrival of a book that will make their lives easier, more efficient, and more productive.' Geoffrey Harpham, Professor of English, Tulane University, USA

• AcknowledgementsList of figuresA Note for StudentsChapter 1 Studying EnglishChapter 2 Where did English come from?Chapter 3 Studying English TodayChapter 4 English and ‘disciplinary consciousness’Chapter 5 Critical attitudesChapter 6 Literature, value and the canonChapter 7 Castle ShakespeareChapter 8 The author is dead?Chapter 9 Metaphors and figures of speechChapter 10 Narrative and closureChapter 11 Creative writing and critical rewritingChapter 12 English, identity and politicsChapter 13 Why study English?ConclusionFurther Reading