A Glossary of Literary Terms (Paperback)

by M.H. Abrams (Author), Geoffrey Harpham (Author)
Key Phrases: romantic period, very short introduction, eternal providence, Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved, Northrop Frye (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The volume is easy to use, complete, with excellent bibliographic references; it has been superb over the years in reflecting and including new developments in literary-critical practices."

"I began using the Abrams Glossary more than 10 years ago, largely because of my respect for Abrams himself as a scholar and literary historian. The entries are clear, up-to-date, and well-researched."

Product Description
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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 8th edition (December 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413002188
• ISBN-13: 978-1413002188
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #405,399 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear explanations of terms....., October 4, 2001

By	Margaret "fugirl" (NYC) - See all my reviews

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

.....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.

18 of 19 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.

14 of 14 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

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.