Abstract: An abundant practice of over a century gives the birth of the theory of literary history, which, as a new, promising subject that need to be developing urgently, reflects on or checks up the work of literary scholars, summarizes the course of its development and distills its principles. There are both intrinsic connection and important distinction between it and the theory of literature (also called the theory of literature and art). Their respective development on the premise of mutual complement and promotion will be benefit to the healthy growth of these two subjects under present circumstances.

Key words: theory of literary history, theory of literature and art, theory of literature, literary history