A Dictionary of Literary and Thematic Terms [Paperback]

Edward Quinn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-Employing an expanded use of the word "literary," this volume includes social, theoretical, and historical terms as they relate to literature, film, television, and others forms of popular culture. In addition to the many expected terms (iamb, onomatopoeia), entries on places (Abbey Theatre), philosophical principles (the Absolute), movements (futurism), and discussions on major themes such as love and jealousy are also covered. Most of the clear, concise entries offer excellent examples of written and cinematic works that further clarify the definitions and/or titles of resources that provide additional commentary on the topics. While there is no pronunciation key for the foreign words and expressions, this valuable resource is more accessible and broader in approach than other literary dictionaries.
J. B. MacDonald, Milner Library, Illinois State University, Normal
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

In addition to providing the usual definitions of the ancient and modern terminology of literature, this dictionary addresses major themes. The author also broadens the meaning of "literature." His "expanded view of the term literary" encompasses topics such as Gangster film, Sitcom, and Rap as well as Catharsis, Metaphor, and Picaresque. Emphasis is placed on terms used in the study and teaching of literature since the 1960s.

Definitions seem to be aimed toward the reader with more than a little knowledge of the subject, but where background is needed to fully explain a term or concept, Quinn has provided it. Cross-references abound. Entries range in length from just one sentence (e.g., Assonance, Prosody) to more than a page (e.g., African American literature, Feminist criticism, Pastoral.)

The language may get somewhat technical at times, the cross-references being a decided help in this area. The addition of thematic concepts is the feature that sets this book apart from other dictionaries of literary terms. Major, time-honored themes are here, such as Death, Love, and Time. Topics that resonate in our own era (AIDS, Alienation, Holocaust, etc.) are also included. The curious reader who is seeking additional information will find suggestions for further reading appended to key entries.

This volume supplements standard titles such as A Glossary of Literary Terms (7th ed., Harcourt Brace, 1999), A Handbook to Literature (8th ed., Prentice Hall, 2000), and Greenwood's Dictionary of Themes and Motifs (1988), which treats some of the same themes in greater depth. Recommended for public, college, and high-school libraries.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816043949
• ISBN-13: 978-0816043941
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,629,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Needed Reference for the writer or writing teacher, May 18, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of Literary and Thematic Terms (Facts on File Library of American Literature) (Hardcover)

If you write, want to write, or teach creative writing, and really want to know more about the terminology related to writing, this book is for you. Most people will never need the volume of information this book contains, but many of those who write professionally will find it a ready reference, most especially if you also teach.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good source for literary terms, February 28, 2008

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L. Wersen "back to college oldie" (Salisbury, MD) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of Literary and Thematic Terms (Facts on File Writer's Library) (Paperback)

Found this book to be invaluable for my college literary needs. Precise information - easy to find and understand. Excellent reference source!