These essays are concerned with the philosophical problems that arise in connection with the understanding and evaluation of literature.

Preface; 1. Literary aesthetics and literary practice; 2. Interpretation and intention; 3. Authorial intention; 4. Text and meaning; 5. The 'meaning' of a literary work; 6. Defining a literary work; 7. What is poetics?; 8. On unilluminating criticism; 9. Criticism and appreciation; 10. Value-judgements in criticism; 11. Literature, fiction, and reality. A problematic relationship; 12. Thematic concepts: where philosophy meets literature; 13. Literary theory and literary aesthetics; Notes; Bibliography; Index.