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Reference eBooks
The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English by Ian Ousby (Editor); Doris Lessing (Foreword by)
Substantially enlarged and updated for this new edition, The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English is the definitive guide to the vast and extraordinarily rich heritage of literature written in English. It covers all the major novelists, poets and dramatists - from Shakespeare, Milton, Wordsworth, Austen, Dickens to Conrad and to contemporary writers from all over the English-speaking world - Saul Bellow, Adrienne Rich, Les Murray, Wole Soyinka, and Janet Frame. More than 100 specialist contributors provide detailed biographical and critical articles not only on writers and their works. Substantial coverage is also given to such literary genres as popular fiction, science fiction, detective novels, and children's classics. All literary concepts and movements are described in detail. * Over 4,500 alphabetical entries, cross-referenced throughout * Includes all literature in English - British, Irish, American, Australian, African, Canadian, New Zealand, Indian and Caribbean * Illustrated throughout with over 115 photographs and line drawings
ISBN: 9780521440868
Publication Date: 2000
Critical Terms for Literary Study by Frank Lentricchia (Editor); Thomas McLaughlin (Editor)
Since its publication in 1990, Critical Terms for Literary Study has become a landmark introduction to the work of literary theory?giving tens of thousands of students an unparalleled encounter with what it means to do theory and criticism. Significantly expanded, this new edition features six new chapters that confront, in different ways, the growing understanding of literary works as cultural practices. These six new chapters are "Popular Culture," "Diversity," "Imperialism/Nationalism," "Desire," "Ethics," and "Class," by John Fiske, Louis Menand, Seamus Deane, Judith Butler, Geoffrey Galt Harpham, and Daniel T. O'Hara, respectively. Each new essay adopts the approach that has won this book such widespread acclaim: each provides a concise history of a literary term, critically explores the issues and questions the term raises, and then puts theory into practice by showing the reading strategies the term permits. Exploring the concepts that shape the way we read, the essays combine to provide an extraordinary introduction to the work of literature and literary study, as the nation's most distinguished scholars put the tools of critical practice vividly to use.
ISBN: 9780226472034
Publication Date: 1995
The Encyclopedia of Literary and Cultural Theory by Michael Ryan (General Editor)
This is the first comprehensive multi-volume encyclopedia ofliterary and cultural theory. Arranged in three volumes coveringLiterary Theory from 1900 to 1966, Literary Theory from 1966 to thepresent, and Cultural Theory, this encyclopedia provides accessibleentries on the important concepts, theorists and trends inpost-1900 literary and cultural theory. With explanations ofcomplex terms and important theoretical concepts, and summaries ofthe work and ideas of key figures, it is a highly informativereference work for a multi-disciplinary readership Part of the Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia ofLiterature Contains over 300 entries of 1000-7000 words written byan international cast of nearly 300 leading scholars in literaryand cultural theory Provides explanations of complex terms, important theoreticalconcepts, and tools for critical analysis Provides summaries of the work and ideas of key figures such asJacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, and Slavoj?i?ek, and many more Online version provides students and researchers with 24/7access to authoritative reference and powerful searching,browsing and cross-referencing capabilities Special introductory price available
ISBN: 9781405183123
Publication Date: 2011
The Encyclopedia of English Renaissance Literature by Alan Stewart (General Editor)
Featuring entries composed by leading international scholars,The Encyclopedia of English Renaissance Literature presentscomprehensive coverage of all aspects of English literatureproduced from the early 16th to the mid 17th centuries. Comprises over 400 entries ranging from 1000 to 5000 wordswritten by leading international scholars Arranged in A-Z format across three fully indexed andcross-referenced volumes Provides coverage of canonical authors and their works, as wellas a variety of previously under-considered areas, including womenwriters, broadside ballads, commonplace books, and other popularliterary forms Biographical material on authors is presented in the context ofcutting-edge critical discussion of literary works. Represents the most comprehensive resource available for thoseworking in English Renaissance literary studies Also available online as part of the Wiley-BlackwellEncyclopedia of Literature, providing 24/7 access and powerfulsearching, browsing and cross-referencing capabilities
ISBN: 9781405194495
Publication Date: 2012
The Handy Literature Answer Book by Daniel S. Burt; Deborah G. Felder
Get the most out of reading with this an engaging and fun guide to the deeper meanings in great works of literature! From the epic of Gilgamesh to Aristotle and Cicero, and from Shakespeare and the King James Bible toWuthering Heights,War and Peace,The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the Nobel-winning lyrics of Bob Dylan, the world of literature is an integral part of our lives. Great literature can shape and form thoughts and opinions as well as influence politics and predict the future. Reading can truly enrich our lives, but it can sometimes be daunting to get the most out of a great work of literature. The Handy Literature Answer Book: Understand and Enjoy Meanings, Symbolism, and Signs in Great Works is an engaging, easy-to-read look at literature basics such as themes, symbols, context, and other literary devices. Different literary forms, including novels, poems, plays, short stories, memoirs, and literary nonfiction are analyzed. Hundreds of important stories and great works are used as illustrative examples. Learn about the five basic questions for any work of literature, including"What is the significance of a title?" "What is conflict?" "What is character development?" "What is point of view?" "How does a setting affect a story?" "What are the different schools of literary criticism?" and many more. Bringing the most out of the reading experience,The Handy Literature Answer Book deciphers and analyzes stories, novels, and verses through insightful in-depth answers to nearly 400 common questions. You will also read about such fascinating tidbits as ... What are the key components of literature? How is reading literature different from other kinds of reading? Why is artful reading so hard? What do poems do? How should a poem be read for its comparisons--metaphors and similes? What, according to Poe, should be the method of the short story writer? How do you recognize the difference between story and plot in a short story? How can you recognize a symbol? What are the defining characteristics of the novel? How did the novel evolve from a popular literary entertainment to the modern novel? What is the difference between drama and theater? What is the best way to understand and appreciate Shakespearean drama? What approaches should you take in reading an essay? What are characteristics of a memoir? This handy primer from two highly regarded experts also includes a glossary of essential literary terms, a timeline, a helpful bibliography, and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness. Making reading more enriching, rewarding, and enjoyable,The Handy Literature Answer Book is a wonderful, eye-opening read!
ISBN: 9781578596355
Publication Date: 2018
Key Terms in Literary Theory by Mary Klages
This is a guide to key terms in literary theory - designed to make difficult terms, concepts and theorists accessible and understandable. Students of literature, film and cultural studies need to understand key theoretical terms and concepts but often find it hard to get to grips with exactly what they mean. This book provides precise definitions of terms and concepts in literary theory, along with explanations of the major movements and figures in literary and cultural theory and an extensive bibliography. It is designed for the student who needs to know what a particular term means, how it is used, and where it comes from, and enables them to apply the terms and concepts to their own investigations. The three part structure provides clear definitions of key terms and ideas, introductions to major figures including biographical and historical overviews and an annotated guide to important works. This invaluable resource provides readers with an easily accessible and comprehensive reference guide to literary and cultural theory. The Key Terms series offers undergraduate students clear, concise and accessible introductions to core topics. Each book includes a comprehensive overview of the key terms, concepts, thinkers and texts in the area covered and ends with a guide to further resources.
ISBN: 9780826442673
Publication Date: 2012