The first edition of The Oxford Companion to English Literature, edited by Sir Paul Harvey, was published in 1932, and quickly established itself as as the standard source of reference for scholars, students, and general readers alike. In 1985, under the editorship of Margaret Drabble, the text was thoroughly and sensitively revised to bring it up to date without losing its essential character, or the lightness of touch that made it such a [...]

This text has established itself as a successful and popular introductory student guide. This fully revised and expanded third edition offers practical help and guidance. It shows the reader how to approach novels, plays and poems, and includes chapters on themes, characters, structure, style, irony and analysis. In addition, sections on writing essays, how to revise, and how to use the critics make this book an invaluable companion for anyone [...]

What is literary theory? Is there a relationship between literature and culture? In fact, what is literature, and does it matter? These questions and more are addressed in Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction, a book which steers a clear path through a subject which is often perceived to be complex and impenetrable. Jonathan Culler, an extremely lucid commentator and much admired in the field of literary theory, offers discerning insights [...]