Interpretation: An Essay in the Philosophy of Literary Criticism (Princeton Legacy Library, 446) - Softcover

This book provides and defends an analysis of our concept of the meaning of a literary work. P. D. Juhl challenges a number of widely held views concerning the role of an author's intention: the distinction between the real and the implied" author; and the question of whether a work has not one correct, but many acceptable interpretations.

Originally published in 1981.

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"P. D. Juhl has formulated a definitive refutation of the so-called 'intentional fallacy.' He begins by considering the ideas of E. D. Hirsch, among the first to raise objections to the anti-intentionalist form of criticism.... In an age where the "verbal pyrotechnics" of deconstructionist criticism are the cynosure of the critical mob, P. D. Juhl's clear, cogent, objective approach is to be welcomed as a stalwart counterpoint to post-structuralism." -David Paul Pace, South Atlantic Review "Literary theory is somewhat bewilderingly in the news, and it is worth pausing over this well-written book, in which ... [Juhl] develops his thoughts about the variety of it known as hermeneutics." -Frank Kermode, London Review of Books "[Juhl's] book brings new standards of professionalism to metacriticism. -C. J. Radford, Philosophical Books This book, available for the first time in a paperback edition, provides and defends an analysis of our concept of the meaning of a literary work. P. D. Juhl challenges a number of widely held views concerning the role of an author's intention: the distinction between the real and the "implied" author; and the question of whether a work has not one correct, but many acceptable interpretations. P. D. JUHL is Associate Professor of German at Princeton University.