[.ca] A Glossary of Literary Terms (ISBN 1413002188)

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.

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.

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.

Great Reference Book:
As a budding english major, I have found Abrahms' book an absolute lifesaver. This is the best reference book on literary terms that I have found yet.

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.