As defined by Aristotle, anagnorisis is the recognition of what a person represents. In Greek drama it is the hero's sudden recognition of the real situation. Here Kennedy (Middle Eastern and
Islamic studies and comparative literature, New York U.), Lawrence (French, New York U.) and their contributors present 12 articles revealing the development of anagnorisis over extended
periods of literature and analyzing its unique function as a theme or motif. Judging from the subjects of these papers it appears that anagnorisis has evolved and been reinvented often not only
as a theme or narrative device but also as a subject for dialog amongst scholars; topics include narrative conversions and rings of recognition, Islamic recognitions, recognition and identity
in radial narrative, challenge for upper studies, recognition in nineteenth century novels, recognition of sexual difference in Hitchcock, mirror reading, and the politics of reading
revolution. Annotation 穢2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
