Collins Dictionary Of Literary Terms

Description: A complete guide to literary terms. From crime fiction to structuralism, from Imagism to queer theory, and from the basics of rhyme to the wilder shores of literary theory, the "Collins Dictionary of Literary Terms" covers all the bases of modern literary theory. Although designed primarily for students of literary theory, the book should also be of use to students in other disciplines, from film theory to philosophy, as well as for the general reader. In clear, non-technical language, the dictionary of more than 1000 terms and themes takes an expanded view of the term "literary". It provides not only a traditional literary vocabulary but also the knowledge of related theoretical, historical and cultural terms which are often needed in the interdisciplinary world of contemporary literary studies. Entries reflect literature as it is taught and experienced today, with increasingly flexible boundaries between high and popular culture, canonical and non-canonical literature, literary and non-literary vocabulary. Features include: concise definitions of literary terms; major contemporary theoretical terms, with clear definitions and examples; terms related to Third World and feminist literature; essays on major themes in literature; terms from film, television, psychology, history and other fields that touch peripherally on literature; references for further reading; and extensive cross-referencing. Review: From American reviews of the hardback: Recommended for public, college, and high-school libraries. - Booklist "...this valuable resource is more accessible and broader in approach than other literary dictionaries." - School Library Journal "...handy for book-group leaders. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries." - Library Journal Author Biography: Edward Quinn is Emeritus Professor of English at the City College, New York, and has coedited several major reference books, including The Reader'sEncyclopedia of Shakeseare and The Reader's Encyclopedia of World Drama.