Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature

by Merriam-Webster

Book Overview

A rich source of information about the world's finest literature. Over 10,000 entries and 250 illustrations covering authors, works, and literary terms and topics from all eras and all parts of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877790426
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Merriam Webster
• Length: 1236 Pages
• Weight: 5.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 2.0" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

WOW-- Great Research Book

I bought this book because it was one of the recommendations by Writer's Digest to get a large resource in a compact package that gives descriptions of most of the worlds most known authors and what they have written. I had no idea how jam-packed it is with information. Highly recommended as a textbook for all English Majors and/or wanna-be writers!

I Use My Copy Frequently - A Valuable Resource

The Merriam Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature professes to be a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the world of literature - authors, works, terms, and topics - from all eras and all parts of the world. In my view this joint effort of Merriam Webster and Encyclopedia of Britannica is exactly what it claims to be. I have used this valuable resource for several years and I highly recommend it.This is a rather heavy, thick book and not suitable for a carrying in a backpack. I keep my copy readily accessible in my favorite reading area. Whenever I look up a topic, I pencil-in a small check mark. My little check marks are now scattered throughout this reference book.The short descriptive passages, generally around 100 to 500 words, are well written and often sufficiently intriguing that I find myself moving from one related topic to another. This compilation is ideal for students and teachers, but I recommend this single volume encyclopedia for anyone that enjoys literature.The references include literary works, classic authors, contemporary authors, mythology and folklore, literary terms, literary styles, historical literary movements, scholars and critics, and literary awards and prizes. I rarely fail to find whatever I am looking for. I would be quite surprised if this compilation did not meet your needs.I also have a copy of another good reference work, Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia, possibly the best-known literary encyclopedia. Benet's compilation overlaps considerably with the Merriam Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature, but the two are not identical.Benet's reference work contains less literary references, most notably fewer literary terms and definitions. Benet's is less likely than Merriam-Webster to have a short essay on a specific literary work or poem. For example, Benet's does not have an entry for The Name of the Rose, I Sing the Body Electric, Love in the Time of Cholera, For the Union Dead, or many other titles found in Merriam Webster. However, Benet's compilation is wider in scope, having many historical definitions (e.g., Napoleon Bonaparte, Congress of Vienna, Vietnam War, Vikings), more religious terms (e.g., trimurti - Hindu and tripitaka - Buddhist), and more art and music references (e.g., Grandma Moses, Picasso, and Mozart).I give 5 stars to Merriam Webster and 4 stars to Benet.

A must-have for all lovers of literature

This is an informative and interesting volume, equally valuable for research or just simply browsing. The entries are fairly brief, but serve as a good springboard for further investigation if one so desires. The important authors, works, and literary terms are all here. Truly a useful reference tool.

A Wonderful Reference

You will not find, regardless of what others may say, a more complete literature encyclopedia on the market. While shopping for one a few years back I did a comparison between M-W's Encyclopedia of Literature and Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia. M-W's had far more entries and far better descriptions and definitions. I credit this book with helping me do well on the GRE Literature exam since I pulled much of my study material from it. This is a must have for all students and teachers of literature.

Enjoyable reference

Since this is a reference I haven't read the whole thing. I was very pleased recently when I looked up Commedia dell'Arte. There were several complete descriptions of the characters and history. I have been looking for many years for just this much information about the subject. Also, I have many interesting side trips when I use this book. It's great!