Reading and Writing About Literature

Abrams, M.H., and Geoffrey G. Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 11th ed., Cengage Learning, 2015.
A complete glossary of essential literary terms presented as a series of engaging essays that explore the definitions and their context. Eleventh edition.

Roberts, Edgar V., editor. Writing About Literature. 13th ed., Pearson, 2012.
Introduces a number of analytical approaches important in the study of literature, along with guidance for writing informative and well-focused themes based on these approaches, including close reading. Thirteenth edition.

Harmon, William. A Handbook to Literature. 12th ed., Longman, 2012.
Considered a classic in the field, the handbook lists and explains literary terms, and includes types of literary criticism, genres and movements. Appendices include Nobel prizes for literature; Pulitzer prizes for poetry, fiction and drama. An outline of English and American literary history from earliest times to the present precedes the appendices. Twelfth edition.

Barnet, Sylvan, and William E. Cain. A Short Guide to Writing About Literature. 12th ed., Longman, 2012.
Part I emphasizes the importance, in the writing process, of asking oneself questions in order to generate ideas. Part III introduces the elements of fiction, poetry, drama and film. Part III covers style and format, research papers, and essay examinations in a short and direct approach to writing.