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Reading Autobiography A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson |
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A critical handbook for understanding this vital literary form. Autobiographical writing is redefining the meaning of narrative, as the recent explosion of memoirs by writers such as Frank McCourt, Mary Karr, Dave Eggers, and Kathryn Harrison suggests. But what's involved in bringing these narratives into the classroom-in creative writing, cultural studies, women's and ethnic studies, and social science and literature courses? How may instructors engage the philosophical, historical, social, and theoretical contexts of the emerging field of autobiography studies? Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson, two authorities in life narrative studies distill their diverse forays into life writing in a concise yet far-reaching overview of key terms, issues, histories, and texts in autobiography studies. Reading Autobiography is a step-by-step introduction to the differences of self-narrative from fiction and biography; the components of autobiographical acts; such core concepts as memory, experience, identity, agency, and the body; the textual and critical history of the field; and prospects for future research. Organized as a user-friendly handbook, it includes a glossary of key words, suggestions for teaching, and extensive primary and secondary bibliographies. “Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson have produced a thoroughly engaging, thought provoking, well written, and scholarly text. An excellent book that makes a major contribution to the field of autobiographical studies. The enthusiasm of Smith and Watson regarding all things autobiographical shines through in every chapter as does experience in the field and their depth of knowledge.” —Andrew Sparkes, Auto/Biography “Reading Autobiography is the challenging introductory book the field has been waiting for. There’s so much to like and admire about this book.” —Biography “It provides the reader with a map with which to chart a route through the territory, and despite its considerable compass, it is much more than a ‘duffer’s guide’. Aimed at advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and academics, it also aims to be ‘user-friendly for the general reader’ and offers up riches likely to entice specialists in literature, history, and cultural, women’s and American studies, amongst others. Most helpfully, it is a book for teachers, suggesting critical and reflective reading strategies and providing a sample of group and classroom projects. Throughout the study, the discussions are illustrated and clarified by reference to particular life narratives. This both adds a human dimension and whets the appetite. A thought-provoking text, rich referencing and full bibliography.” —Westminster Studies in Education "Reading Autobiography is an essential pedagogical tool in courses on life-writing. Regardless of the specific focus or level difficulty of an autobiography course, Reading Autobiography makes good on its subtitle’s claim as a 'guidebook'."—Transformations Sidonie Smith is professor of English and women's studies at the University of Michigan. Julia Watson is associate professor of comparative studies at Ohio State University. 232 pages | 5 7/8 x 9 | 2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface · Acknowledgements 1. Life Narrative: Definitions and Distinctions Appendixes Notes · Bibliography · Index |
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$19.50 Paper