They're back! Nealon and Sarls Giroux still pack more thoughtful questions and more useful information into the second edition of their 'toolbox' than multi-volume encyclopedias. If you can find a better guide for both beginners and more advanced students to the major intellectual challenges of our time, go ahead and buy it. Meanwhile, the readers of this handy (and witty) little text will already be writing the works that will be discussed in the third edition.

John McGowan, The Ruel W. Tyson Jr. Distinguished Professor of Humanities, University of North Carolina, USA; coeditor of The Norton Anthology

As a first introduction for the perplexed and confused to critical and cultural theory, there's no better place to start than The Theory Toolbox. With its clear, concise, and accurate accounts of often complex theories, instructors will find this an excellent addition to any theory course; with its provocative working questions and up-to-date, funny examples, students will find this book to be illuminating and exhilarating.

Bruce B. Janz, University of Central Florida, USA