Literary Theory & Cultural Studies

Autobiography: A Very Short Introduction

Laura Marcus

9780199669240
Paperback
26 July 2018

Very Short Introductions

Autobiography is one of the most popular of written forms. Laura Marcus defines what autobiographies are, considering their relationship with similar literary forms, and analysing the core themes in autobiographical writing. She also discusses how autobiography offers the most fundamental accounts of what it means to be a self in the world.

Comparative Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Ben Hutchinson

9780198807278
Paperback
22 March 2018

Very Short Introductions

Considering literature comparatively can help readers realize how much can be learned by looking beyond the horizon of their own cultures, discovering not only more about other literatures, but also about their own. Ben Hutchinson offers a history of comparative literature, placing it at the heart of literary criticism.

Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale

Marina Warner

9780198779858
Paperback
28 July 2016

In ten succinct chapters, Marina Warner guides us through the rich world of fairy tale, from Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel to Snow White and Pan's Labyrinth. Exploring pervasive themes of folklore, myth, the supernatural, imagination, and fantasy, Warner highlights the impact of the genre on human understanding, history, and culture.

The Hebrew Bible as Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Tod Linafelt

9780195300079
Paperback
03 March 2016

Very Short Introductions

Crime Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Richard Bradford

9780199658787
Paperback
28 May 2015

Very Short Introductions

Since the mid-19th century crime fiction has been one of the most popular sub-genres of the novel. In this Very Short Introduction, Richard Bradford explores its origins and the features that define its varied style. He considers its role in popular culture around the world and considers why its classification as 'literature' is still ambiguous.

The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms

Fourth Edition

Chris Baldick

9780198715443
Paperback
14 May 2015

Oxford Quick Reference

The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms provides clear and concise definitions of even the most complex literary terms from abjection to zeugma. An essential reference tool for students of literature in any language. Recommended web links are available via a companion website.

Dante: A Very Short Introduction

Peter Hainsworth, David Robey

9780199684779
Paperback
26 February 2015

Very Short Introductions

This Very Short Introduction examines all the major aspects of Dante's work, emphasizing the features that have made him such an important point of reference for modern writers and their readers. Exploring and explaining The Divine Comedy, they also discuss his life and poetry as well as issues of truth, humanity, politics, and religion.

Classical Literature: A Very Short Introduction

William Allan

9780199665457
Paperback
27 March 2014

Very Short Introductions

William Allan's Very Short Introduction provides a concise and lively guide to the major authors, genres, and periods of classical literature. Drawing upon a wealth of material, he reveals just what makes the 'classics' such masterpieces and why they continue to influence and fascinate today.

The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature

Third Edition

M.C. Howatson

9780199548552
Paperback
22 August 2013

Oxford Quick Reference

A unique A-Z reference work of over 3,100 entries spanning the length and breadth of classical literature. It ranges from detailed biographies of authors, overviews of myths and legends, and explanations of literary styles, to topical entries on the wider aspects of classical society, and on the literary works that shed light on them.

The Poetry Handbook

Second Edition

John Lennard

9780199265381
Paperback
05 January 2006