Subject Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
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The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism
A collection of lengthy, detailed essays and analytical biographies of major literary criticism figures that assumes a solid groundwork in literary studies. Best for upper-level literature majors and graduate students. -
The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms
A great place to find basic definitions of literary terms, each illustrated with an example from literature. -
The Oxford Companion to African American Literature
An invaluable resource for definitions and explanations of anything related to African-American literature. Also available as an ebook.
Literature and Literary Criticism
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Contemporary Literary Criticism
Covers authors who are currently active or who died after December 31, 1959, providing profiles of creative and nonfiction writers with criticism from a variety of sources. -
Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism
Presents substantial excerpts from the best criticism on the major literary figures and nonfiction writers, including novelists, poets, playwrights and literary theorists from 1900 to 1999. -
Black Literature Criticism
Similar to the other literary criticism collections, with excerpts from criticism of the most significant works of black authors over the past 200 years. -
Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism
A convenient source of commentary on the careers and works of acclaimed poets, novelists, short story writers, dramatists and philosophers who died between 1800 and 1899.
Biography
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American Women Writers
Short biographical entries with good bibliographies and lists of works by each author. -
American Writers
Lengthy but accessible essays that discuss the lives of American authors and several of their works or common themes. -
British Writers
ISBN: 0684157985The British counterpart to the American Writers volume, with the same format.
