Roman Jakobson

  • 7

    Catalog books

  • 4

    Works

  • 1980 to 1998

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Roman Jakobson’s Selected Writings gathers essays that shaped structural linguistics and literary theory. Across topics from phonology to poetics, the pieces map his precise analytical style: clear definitions, careful examples, and arguments that link language structure to communication and aesthetic function without sacrificing technical rigor.

These collected texts show Jakobson’s range—formal analyses of sound systems, models of linguistic signification, and concise essays on metaphor and metonymy. Readers encounter work aimed at clarifying theoretical problems and proposing tools still used by scholars interested in language, literature, and the mechanics of meaning.

Best Place To Start

Selected Writings

Walter de Gruyter • 1985 • commitment varies by edition

It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Structural linguistics and phonology • Functional analysis of language • Influential essays on poetics and communication

Genres and themes: Linguistics • Literary theory and poetics • Structural analysis

Who this author is best for: Good for readers interested in rigorous, theory-driven essays on language, sound, and literary form.

Start with collected essays—pick pieces on poetics or phonology to match your interest and read essays selectively by topic.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Selected Writings

    Walter de Gruyter • 1985 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 1985.

  2. My Futurist Years

    Marsilio Pub • 1998 • longer commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1998 • 345 pages.

  3. The Framework of Language (Michigan Studies in the Humanities)

    Univ of Michigan/Michigan Slavic • 1980 • quick commitment

    It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.

  4. On Verse, Its Masters & Explorers

    Mouton De Gruyter • 1985 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1985.

  5. Poetry of Grammar & Grammar of Poetry

    Mouton De Gruyter • 1985 • commitment varies by edition

    readers who want one of the clearer starting points on this page

  6. Brain and Language: Cerebral Hemispheres and Linguistic Structure in Mutual Light

    Slavica Pub • 1980 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1980 • 48 pages.

  7. On Language

    Harvard Univ Pr • 1995 • oversized commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1995 • 672 pages.

How The Picks Compare

  • Selected Writings gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while My Futurist Years leans later in the catalog.
  • The Framework of Language (Michigan Studies in the Humanities) is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Selected Writings.

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