Gentzler traces the growth of translation theory from its traditional roots to the recent proliferation of theories, fuelled by research feminism; poststructural, and postcolonial investigations. He examines five approaches - the translation workshop, the science of translation, translation studies; polysystem theory, and deconstruction - all of which began in the mid-1960s and continue to be influential. In his critical overview, he explores the strengths and weaknesses of each method, tracing the connections among the different schools of thought. Illustrating the importance of translation theory to the current debates in cultural studies, Gentzler raises theoretical questions challenging assumptions of the leading translation theories.