What we’d like to do in this introduction to the volume is to, firstly, give a general schematic overview which very briefl y traces some of the major approaches to literature that have played a role in bringing us to where we are today regarding the linguistic analysis of verbal art. At the same time, we will make clear where we stand on the disputes surrounding that approach and argue the case for such analysis as a socio-cultural practice, or a special brand of ‘stylistics’.