A translation of recent essays by the eminent literary critic, Tzvelan Todorov.

Prefatory note; Part I: 1. The notions of literature; 2. The origin of genres; Part II: 3. The two principles of narrative; 4. Reading as construction; 5. A poetic novel; 6. Poetry without verse; Part III: 7. Notes from the Underground; 8. The limits of Edgar Poe; 9. Heart of Darkness; 10. The Awkward Age; Index.