In 1924, I.A. Richards published 'Principles of Literary Criticism', a seminal work that applied psychological and linguistic analysis to poetry. Richards advocated for 'close reading', emphasizing the importance of understanding the text's language and structure rather than solely its historical context. His ideas significantly influenced literary criticism, promoting a more analytical approach that separated poetic truth from scientific truth, shaping the study of literature in the 20th century.

I.A. Richards' publication of 'Principles of Literary Criticism' revolutionized how poetry was taught and analyzed, cementing the New Criticism movement. His emphasis on the text as the primary object of literary study influenced generations of poets and critics, reshaping the landscape of literary analysis.