Glossary of Literary Terms

by M.H. Abrams and Geoffrey Galt Harpham

Book Overview

First published in 1957, A Glossary of Literary Terms contains succinct essays on the terms used in discussing literature, literary history, and literary criticism. This text is an indispensable reference for students.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 015505452X
• ISBN13: 9780155054523
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Length: 366 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Essential for Lovers of Literature

Every student of literature should have their own copy of this book. Non-students would get a lot out of this too. And while the price might appear excessive, I think in the long-term this book is a worthwhile investment. What makes this guide of literary terms different from others, is its comprehensiveness. Abrams goes into great detail on the important terms that one comes across most often in literature. There is information on theories and movements in criticism and terms such as modernism and post modernism, are clearly defined. there is also material on symbolism, metaphor and other figures of speech and so on. A Glossary of Literary Terms, now in its 8th edition, is written in a lucid style, and is a must buy for anyone who wants to expand their literary horizons. Recommended. 5 stars.

Top reference book!

There is nothing in this book that is not in any other literary terms book. However, it's the quality, not quantity (isn't that what they always say? Well, it's true this time). The way that terms are defined makes sense to everyone, not just the avid writer or reader of literature. For example, look up 'Heroic Couplets' elsewhere and you'll find broad, vague definitions with little or no description. Well, think again when it comes to Mr. Abrams version of interpretation. Also, the way the book is structured is clever in itself. When looking up one definition, it leads to other words that are unknown, thus making full use of the book. If you have any desire to write or just want a better understanding of what terms are being thrown at you in text, consult this gem. If you don't agree, contact me and I'll refund your money (okay, that was a joke). Wise investment.

thorough and useful reference

Whether you are a student of literature or just looking to expand your understanding of it, you'll find this comprehensive yet accessible reference extremely useful. Abrams has compiled a fairly exhaustive glossary of (Western) literary terms. His succinct explanations are reinforced by familiar examples. When necessary, he also provides historical background to a word or phrase. Cross-referenced terms are highlighted within the descriptions, and the book includes an index of authors and of terms. This is a very easy reference to use, concise in its definitions, thorough in its content, and overall, well organized.

Clear explanations of terms.....

.....I've pursued creative writing as a hobby for the past several years and, not having any formal training, I've had to search out other ways to comprehend all the new literary jargon I was encountering. This glossary of literary terms offers clear and thorough defintions of each literary movement in history, terms common to the analyses of poetry (verse, metaphor, alliteration, etc.) terms frequently encountered in fiction-writing books (e.g., climax, mood, tone, etc.), terms of literary criticism and much more. Most terms also have examples that Abrams offers to clarify the exact meaning. I highly recommend this book to all writers and to anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of the understanding of the structure and/or history behind the writing they read.

Very Helpful

I've used the 6th edition of this book for my research and own person edification for almost 5 years now. Abrams writes in a clear, understandable style that manages to enlight rather than confuse the reader. I've used other books like this one and they either give too little information or so much information that the reader is overwhelmed. Abrams manages to strike a perfect balance that gives you enough info to allow to be familiar with a topic and he offers suggestions for further reading if you want to know more.This book is essential for any English major or graduate student.