The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms

by Ross C. Murfin, Supryia M. Ray

This is the third edition of an essential glossary for students, now thoroughly updated and expanded with more than 50 new literary and critical terms. This title offers a comprehensive reference that clearly and accessibly defines over 850 important literary and critical terms from classical times to the present.It is thoroughly updated and expanded, with more than 50 new terms, including traditional terms, important contemporary terms and introductions to emerging fields of critical study. It features more contemporary examples, including references to movies, TV shows, and bestselling books, and includes new visual examples.This essential glossary presents clear, succinct, and lively definitions of over 850 literary and critical terms for today's student. Thoroughly updated and expanded, the third edition features more than 50 new terms, including traditional terms, important contemporary terms and introductions to emerging fields of critical study.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Literary Criticism, Writing, Literature, Textbooks, Academic

539 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Frequently publishes as 'Ross Murfin' (no middle initial).

Reviews

[La Petite Américaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're going to do any theory courses, get this book. It saves a lot of time, cuts through the headache created by these theorist assholes, and explains everything in terms that can be understood by anyone with a GED. Definitely useful, though it won't make theory any less painful.

(And I've blown off my theory paper to sit here and write reviews of theory books on goodreads. Jesus. It's a new low.)

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write a lot of book reviews. This 2003 glossary is chock full of words I didn't know and is still relevant over 20 years after publication. I'm not saying I'll use any of these fancy words, but I find it useful to know there's a term for what I'm reviewing. Keeping this tool nearby by computer!

[Ricardo Herrera]

Wide knowledge book! A full recount of the century.

[Jerry]

review text for 350

[Lief · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very valuable resource book if you are looking for even a slightly deeper understanding of literary terms. There are numerous entries with thorough explanations, and the language is very accessible. While I can't remember what they were right off hand, I believe there were only a couple of terms I encountered that were not in the book. A high recommendation for your resource shelf.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a helpful book for any English scholar. The examples are great and the alphabetization makes it easy to search for exactly what you need. Hopefully this will help me pass the Praxis II this weekend!

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has every term I've ever needed to look up. I take it with me to Graduate school every summer. It really socks my socks.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very best.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant - quickly became indispensable for me. Wish there was a bit more comprehensive coverage of the world of tropes, but that's a minor quibble.

[Danielle Altrogge · Rating 4 out of 5]

So helpful. I've cited this is almost all of my essays this semester. Very detailed.

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly useful and informative - whenever I need to brush up on a literary term or learn a new one, this is the book I turn to every time.

[Carol Westcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for any scholar of literature. The easy alphabetical organization allows you to find various terms with ease.

[Mills College Library]

803 M975b 2009