Criticism is an exercise of judgment and literary criticism is an exercise of judgment on a work of literature. Literary criticism interprets and evaluates a work of literature in a given context. As it is said, literary criticism is not every body's cup of tea, it is rather difficult task. This book presents the glimpses of critical theories down from Longinus to Derrida. It also provides an account of modern trends in literary criticism. It presents the theoretical concepts of literary criticism and creative process in brief. The book covers major trends and their approaches in brief to convince the reader about the elementary aspects of existed critical theories and creativity. Here, an attempt has been made to simplify the critical theories, keeping in mind the conceptual ability of the students' community at graduate level. No doubt the book will meet out the basic needs and urge of the students who aspire to understand literature and literary criticism.

This is the result of my several years of teaching experience, particularly, the literary criticism, critical theories and creative literature. Many students of literature feel difficult to understand these critical theories at graduate level. The complexities of the students in understanding instigated me to simplify these concepts to their level of understanding. In writing this short discourse I have had the guidance of many senior teachers who are well acquainted with critical theories. Besides, I have leaned more or less heavily on 'Contemporary Literary Theory; A Students Companion' by N.Krishnaswamy, 'Modern Theories of Poetic Criticism' by R.S.Tiwary, Berely, Long's 'Marxism and Art; Writings in Aesthetics and Criticism', Literary Criticism: An Introduction' by Prof.G.B.Sajjan, I acknowledge all these writers and publishers for their explicit reference in the body of the book.

I am indebted to Shri. R.V Prabhu for his DTP Work. I am grateful to my entire dear and near friends, my parents and family members, my wife Akkamahadevi and my daughter Trupti for their constant support and encouragement. -Dr.Prakash B. Teggihalli