Glossary of Literary Terms [Paperback]

M.H. Abrams (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 015505452X | ISBN-13: 978-0155054523 | Publication Date: November 18, 1998 | Edition: 007

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Just as approaches to literary studies have evolved, A Glossary of Literary Terms, has met the challenge of evolving and morphing into just what is needed for undergraduates, graduates, and professors of English and American Literature."

"This book is unique, superior because of the comprehensive, synthesizing, essay-based approach and its lucidity . . .essays are ambitiously comprehensive yet succinct . . .This book is second to none." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

M.H. Abrams is a distinguished scholar who has written prize-winning books on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature, literary criticism, and European Romanticism. He is also the General Editor for THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE. In addition, M.H. Abrams is the recipient of Guggenheim, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Postwar fellowships, and the Award for Literature by the American Academy of Arts and Letters(1990).

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 007 edition (November 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015505452X
• ISBN-13: 978-0155054523
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #679,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for Lovers of Literature, November 17, 2005

By 

Adam (Adelaide, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Glossary of Literary Terms (Paperback)

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.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful, February 13, 2001

By 

Rick Terpstra (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glossary of Literary Terms (Paperback)

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.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top reference book!, October 30, 2003

By 

Seth "nytimes25" (Lawrence, KS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glossary of Literary Terms (Paperback)

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.