Which introductions/guides to literary analysis and criticism do you recommend?

[Comaros]

I was recently very disappointed with Harold Bloom's How to Read and Why, but I still have a desire to deepen my reading and knowledge of literature. Which books do you recommend?

[Dreamwoven]

You might want to consider focussing on a particular body of literature, or a favourite author?

[Danik 2016]

I am not fond of book lists but they may provide a starting point. Another is the reading test. You go to a library or a book store and ask for a book (from a reading list or not). Read the first paragraphs. If you like them and want to go on, than that´s your book.

PS- I had a look at your profile. As you´ve read Faulkner you might like "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison.
The Austrian Author Musil might interest you too.

[Dreamwoven]

I found this link doing a search for introductory guides to library analysis: http://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/HOWTOWRITEALITERARYANALYSISESSAY_10.15.07_001.pdf.

Maybe the thread starter could consider beginning there?

[EmptySeraph]

You should instead just read as much as you can, literature predominantly. Literary critic is nonsensical, futile and sterile.

[Dreamwoven]

I fully agree with you, Empty. But some, fresh out of school, feel lost without a guide. The best is to read until you find something that catches your imagination.