Trauma has become a catchword of our time and a central category in contemporary theory and criticism. In this illuminating and accessible volume, Lucy Bond and Stef Craps:






provide an account of the history of the concept of trauma from the late nineteenth century to the present day



examine debates around the term in their historical and cultural contexts



trace the origins and growth of literary trauma theory



introduce the reader to key thinkers in the field



explore important issues and tensions in the study of trauma as a cultural phenomenon



outline and assess recent critiques and revisions of cultural trauma research

Trauma is an essential guide to a rich and vibrant area of literary and cultural inquiry.