A Handbook to Literature (Handbook to Literature)

If you don't have a student at home, get this book anyway. Read it. Just the outline of English and American literary history in the back of the book is worth the price. You undoubtedly will find books here you never knew existed. I thought I'd read all of Eudora Welty, for instance, but I found a "new" title listed here -- new to me, at least. I also discovered a James Gould Cozzens book I'd never heard of.

The handbook is actually an encyclopedia of words and phrases pertaining to the study of literature. Listings are defined, explained and often illustrated. There are cross references. Appendices include complete lists of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners for fiction, poetry and drama. The index of proper names in the back lists over 2,300 authors and prominent literary figures.

This book is a must for the home library. Also, it's entertaining as well as informative reading. You may well find yourself curled up with it, unwilling to tear yourself away.


Handy, Handy, Handy!   May 30, 2001
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I love this book because it has complete, concise definitions of every literary facet you can think of. I have used it as a study tool for my certification tests, as a quick look up tool before tests, and as a way to explain difficult literary terminology to my students. I cannot stress how badly English teachers (and anyone else who loves literature) needs this book!


Essential for Most Liberal Arts Students   December 15, 2000
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

With the possible exception of my Roget's Thesaurus, this was the most useful reference in my pursuit of a BA in English Lit and Art History. This was recommended by one of my professors and it served me very well.

Easy-to-use alphabetical format allows reader to look up terms essential to the analysis of literature, and is highly useful to students of other humanities. The definitions are easy to digest but are quite thorough and supply sufficient context. Take this to college and use it often. An excellent tool for your research and writing.


Lovin' Literature   December 17, 1999
 8 out of 10 found this review helpful

Best book I ever bought in my four years studying English at Purdue University.


Comprehensive Handbook . . .   November 8, 1999
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Recently received desk copy of 8th edition. Impressed by the fact book covers both traditional literary terms *and* terms from contemporary theory. Some gaps, but that's to be expected of any handbook. Highly recommended.