Beginning with broad definitions of both feminism and literature, the book then sets out the key terms, concepts and approaches distinctive to feminist literary criticism. Within this theoretical framework the reader is then introduced to complicated areas of theory and debate, and to the work of such thinkers as Cixous, Irigaray, Lacan and Kristeva. In addition to description and analysis, each chapter also contains structured exercises, a summary of the main points of the chapter and a guide to further reading. The text is illustrated throughout with excerpts from poetry, prose, fiction and critical works, many of which form the basis for close readings using the approaches and techniques described. The author also provides a glossary to terms used in the book.