Principles of Literary Criticism
Principles of Literary Criticism was the text that first was the text that first established his reputation and pioneered the movement that became known as the 'New Criticism' Through a powerful presentation of the need to read critically and creatively, with an alertness to the psychological and emotional effects of language, Richards presented a powerful new understanding both of literature and of the role of the reader. Highly controversial when first published, Principles of Literary Criticism remains a work which no one with a serious interest in literature can afford to ignore.
"The two pillars upon which a theory of criticism must rest are an account of value and an account of communication."
"...critical remarks are a branch of psychological remarks,and no special ethical or metaphysical ideas need be introduced to explain value."
"A book is a machine to think with, but it need not, therefore, usurp the functions either of the bellows or the locomotive."