After Theory

Its worth reading, however, in the context of the critiques of Sokal, Graf, and others. With a vested interest in the cultural theory establishment but unafraid to ask that the academy move on, Eagleton is in the unique position of being able to outline the utility of the humanities in the face of mounting pressure to teach a strictly practical curriculum.

Eagletons work--at least all that I have read--is always lucidly written and adorned with insights of wide-breadth and importance. This book is not an exception. It is, however, not a book that seems to me likely to be read for eternity.

What I enjoyed most about was its fireside wisdom quality. In a sense, this book resembles a series a letters from your mentor about academic work, its potential, failings, and excesses, and some words about his view of life in general.

Thus, the claimed philosophical importance of the work is an exaggeration attached for pushing the work forward for publishing. It is by no means a definitively new alternative course for critical theory. It is nevertheless an enjoyable book full of numerous worthwhile insights.

Eagletons call for a shift toward the "bigger" narrative is clearly directed towards much--I would even say most--of the practices of contemporary cultural theory as it appears in the university today. If this is your area of study, and maybe you felt a little unfulfilled after that last research paper you wrote on the epistemology of the polyester sweater, then _After Theory_ is the book for you.