Includes bibliographical references and index.

"What is English? Peter Barry's book examines the practice of studying English, and the theory underlying that practice. He indicates how almost everything but the name of the discipline has changed during its short lifetime. He explores the core activities involved in "doing" English today, and looks well beyond the close reading of texts. He guides the reader through some of the most contested issues in the subject and surveys areas that have newly come under the banner of "English.""--Jacket.