The following is a list of general works and compilations of scholarly essays on English literature from our collection. It does not represent the extent of our collection on any given subject. For books on more specific titles, subjects, writers, or genres, please search our Library Catalog or the databases suggested at: English Language & Literature: Searchable Databases and Online Tools.
Quick Guides
A Glossary of Literary Terms 6th ed.
This is a short work that covers the most important literary concepts, genres and schools of thought in introductory entries. Students beginning their studies in literary theory will find it useful.
A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory 3rd ed.
This resource offers a good introduction to most general literary concepts, movements and ideas. Entries range from two sentences to several pages, depending on the subject. The introductory student who needs quick background information will find it most useful.
Critical Terms for Literary Study 2nd ed.
This resource will provide readers with solid introductory discussions of the major concepts of literary criticism. The book is divided into three parts: Literature as Writing, Interpretation , and Literature, Culture and Politics. The work acts as an introduction to the basic relationships between writing, aesthetics and social issues.
In-depth Guides
Literary Theory: An Introduction
In this book, Terry Eagleton tackles the definitions and ideas of modern literary theory from the earlier parts of the 20th century up to the publication of the book in the early 1980s. Structuralism, post-structuralism and psychoanalysis are given the most attention, and this resource will be suitable for both introductory and advanced readers.
Covering schools of thought about literary criticism across genres and cultures, this is a very good resource for the student or scholar looking for in-depth information about the main ideas and prominent thinkers that led to the development of major literary theories. Formal critical camps are given ample attention, as are the major players in the development of literary criticism. This is a high-quality resource for the more advanced student or scholar looking for background information and fodder for further inquiry.
Literary Theory from Plato to Barthes: An Introductory History
This book takes a look at the chronological development of literary theory around the world, from Classical times to French Structuralism. It gives a very good overview of literary criticism as a product of historical development. Important critics are introduced and discussed, and students at all levels will find it a quality source.
Major influential figures within literary criticism are examined in this collection of essays and their place is investigated within literary theories as evolving frameworks of inquiry. Chapters devoted to Marx, Benjamin and Freud are accompanied by essays on more general topics of genre. The text is searchable and complete with a bibliography for further inquiry.
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