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Inside the Critics' Circle: Book Reviewing in Uncertain Times

Online ISBN:
9780691186030
Print ISBN:
9780691167466
Publisher:
Princeton University Press
Book

Inside the Critics' Circle: Book Reviewing in Uncertain Times

Phillipa K. Chong
Phillipa K. Chong
McMaster University
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Published online:
17 September 2020
Published in print:
14 January 2020
Online ISBN:
9780691186030
Print ISBN:
9780691167466
Publisher:
Princeton University Press

Abstract

Taking readers behind the scenes in the world of fiction reviewing, this book explores the ways that critics evaluate books despite the inherent subjectivity involved, and the uncertainties of reviewing when seemingly anyone can be a reviewer. The book delves into the complexities of the review-writing process, including the considerations, values, and cultural and personal anxieties that shape what critics do. It explores how critics are paired with review assignments, why they accept these time-consuming projects, how they view their own qualifications for reviewing certain books, and the criteria they employ when making literary judgments. The book discovers that while their readers are of concern to reviewers, they are especially worried about authors on the receiving end of reviews. As these are most likely peers who will be returning similar favors in the future, critics' fears and frustrations factor into their willingness or reluctance to write negative reviews. At a time when traditional review opportunities are dwindling while other forms of reviewing thrive, book reviewing as a professional practice is being brought into question. This book offers readers a revealing look into critics' responses to these massive transitions and how, through their efforts, literary values get made.

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