Ivor Armstrong Richards (1893-1979) was a British literary critic and rhetorician. He made significant contributions to the fields of literary criticism, rhetoric, and semantics, and is considered one of the pioneers of the field of literary theory.
Richards began his academic career as an English professor, but soon delved into the study of rhetoric, which eventually led him into the realm of literary criticism. He is best known for his concept of "new criticism" which emphasized close textual analysis and the importance of avoiding extraneous information when interpreting a literary work.
Richards also made important contributions to the field of semantics, particularly through his work on the theory of meaning. His book "The Meaning of Meaning," co-authored with C.K. Ogden, is considered a seminal work in the field. In this book, Richards explores the ways in which words derive their meaning and the role of context in understanding language.
In addition to his academic achievements, Richards was known for his strong belief in the importance of clear and effective communication. He emphasized the need for precision and clarity in language, and advocated for the use of rhetoric as a means of persuasion and expression.
Overall, Ivor Armstrong Richards was a highly influential figure in the fields of literary theory, rhetoric, and semantics. His work continues to shape these disciplines, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the way we understand and interpret literature.
