Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature

by Merriam-Webster, Kathleen Kuiper (Editor)

Identifies authors and works of world literature, defines literary terms, and offers brief discussusions of topics in literature.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Books About Books, Literature, Literary Criticism, Writing, Collections

1236 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jennifer Ochoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I've "read" it is a bit misleading since it's an encyclopedia, but I've had this reference book for many years and it's well-worn with affection. I love literature, but I also have a goofy passion for encyclopedic books.

This literary encyclopedia is kind of old, published in 1995, so it is not a good reference for contemporary works. I've had it since the late 90's, so it was fairly up-to-date when I bought it. However, despite it being out of date, I love to browse the volume from time to time and read snippets about obscure writers or remind myself of one of the many works out there I want to read and haven't yet. As a lover of literature, classic and contemporary, this encyclopedia is my IKEA catalog.

Beyond writers and works, there are also literary terms and historical names/places/things related to literature. Characters in major works are also listed.

I'm not sure if I've ever looked up anything in this encyclopedia, since I tend to use Wikipedia these days, but it's been great for adding to my TBR list (not that I need any more books to read, but when it comes to books, I am obsessive and love new discoveries). Recently, I've taken to keeping it by my bedside, periodically adding names and titles to my TBR notebook.

[Scott Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nowadays, can you retrieve all of this info from the Wikipedia? Sure. But, then again, the ability to randomly flip pages and discover an interesting author you may never have heard of before is pretty cool in its own right.

[Matt Cline]

great book about overall literature. Lots and LOTS of info.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this used on amazon, which is a great way to get books. I highly recommend this book just for browsing. I can spend hours looking through this volume for nothing in particular

[fayre]

Fix your heart (build an altar where it rests) by BlueSundayCake

Snape x Remus x Harry
8th year
Remus has teddy
Snape is still headmaster
Soul bond marks
Snape is trans
Harry is nb

[Allie Meador]

Title (APA): MERRIAM WEBSTER'S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LITERATURE. (1995). Merriam-Webster.
Citation by: Allie Meador
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 803 WEB
Hardcover: 1248 Pages
Publisher: Merriam-Webster (April 1995)
Author: Merriam-Webster
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0877790426
ISBN-13: 978-0877790426
Product Dimension: 10.3 x 8.4 x 2.2 inches
Cost: $10.98
Content/Scope:
• Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature is a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the authors, works, genres, and terms of world literature that combines the best features of a dictionary with those of an encyclopedia.
Accuracy/Authority/Bais:
• This is the result of a major collaboration between the editorial staffs of two of the world's most respected reference book publishers, Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica. The first Merriam-Webster dictionary, which was published on September 24, 1847.
Arrangement/Presentation:
• The book is arranged alphabetically.
Relation to other Works:
• Merriam-Webster publishes a new edition/version every year of the dictionary, thesaurus, etc.
Accessibility/Diversity:
• A rich source of information about the world's finest literature.
o Over 10,000 entries and 250 illustrations
o Coverage of authors, works, and literary terms from all eras and all parts of the world
o Includes pronunciations
Professional Review:
• http://www.amazon.com/Merriam-Webster...

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so useful when reading classics that do not have foot notes! It is a wonderful reference book!

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resource for readers and writers.

[CR Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ONCE had this book, and then I loaned it to a schmo - *miffed*

Gone forever *sigh*

[Naren · Rating 4 out of 5]

its really a must book for a lit.ppl

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

not something to be read in one sitting--rather, it is to be sampled from time in no particuliar order as the fancy strikes.