A broad reference for literary terminology
Chris Baldick’s dictionary brings together concise definitions spanning traditional literary study and newer critical and theoretical vocabulary. The fourth edition covers areas including drama, versification, rhetoric, literary history, feminism, poetry, life writing, and crime fiction, with entries ranging from established forms to newer terms such as “distant reading” and “graphic novels.” A pronunciation guide, further-reading suggestions, bibliographies, and companion-web links add research aids beyond the definitions themselves. Its range makes it useful for consulting unfamiliar terminology across different fields of literary study.
Good fit for readers who enjoy
- Students of literature seeking a reference for critical and formal terminology
- Readers researching literary forms, movements, or concepts across genres and periods
- Writers or instructors who need a quick-check dictionary of literary terms
Themes
Literary terminologyLiterary criticism and theoryDrama, verse, and rhetoricLiterary history and genres
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