A guide to the history and development of modern criticism in the humanities. The work takes the reader through introductions to historically influential philosophers, literary critics, schools of thought and movements from Spinoza and Descartes to phenomenology and Heidegger, before turning to its three principal areas or critical attention: Europe, North America and Great Britain. Addressing the development of literary criticism and theory within the cultural, ideological and institutional parameters of their growth, this volume provides simultaneously an introduction to theoretical engagement in the humanities, while also offering critical interventions into contemporary theory and criticism. Furthermore, while remaining aware of the importance of various contexts within which the criticism has grown, the essays also concern themselves with the cross-fertilization between the various academic and intellectual cultures under consideration.