ABSTRACT
The more general aspects of this argument are developed in the introductory and concluding chapters. In the first of these, Guillory takes to task those criticisms of literary canons associated with the socially progressive agendas of what he variously calls liberal pluralism or multiculturalism. His particular concern is with the demands to which these criticisms give rise in requiring that the range of texts taught in literary curricula be broadened to become more adequately socially inclusive and representative. These are familiar demands whose considerable influence has played no small role in fuelling the development of cultural studies. However, Guillory has no trouble in showing that the grounds on which they rest beg more than a question or two.
