Available Online
- Dictionary of Literary Biography This link opens in a new windowProvides more than 140,000 biographical and critical essays on the lives, works, and careers of the world's most influential literary figures from all eras and genres
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography This link opens in a new windowThe Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford DNB) is the national record of men and women who have shaped British history and culture, worldwide, from the Romans to the 21st century. The Dictionary offers concise, up-to-date biographies written by named, specialist authors.
- Literature Criticism Online This link opens in a new windowThe largest curated online collection of literary criticism in the world, this resource brings together 10 acclaimed multidisciplinary series representing a range of modern and historical views on authors and their works across regions, eras and genres.
- Literary Reference Source Plus This link opens in a new window
Information on thousands of authors and their works across literary disciplines and time frames, including criticism, reviews, plot summaries, synopses, poems, and short stories.
- Salem LiteratureProvides access to Magill's Literary Annual, a source providing concise summaries of books worth reading. 1977 to 2010 available online.
Available in the Library
You will find these book collections in either the reference section or on the main shelves of the library. Check the call number to find the correct location, or ask me (or the reference librarian on duty) for assistance.
Encyclopedia of Literary Critics and CriticismCall Number: Reference: PN86 .E63 1999ISBN: 1579581447- Magill's Literary AnnualCall Number: PN44 .M333 (volumes published annually, 1977-present)Also available online.
Encyclopedia of Literary and Cultural TheoryCall Number: Reference: PN81 .E435 2011ISBN: 1405183128Vol. 1: Literary Theory from 1900 to 1966
Vol. 2: Literary Theory from 1966 to Present
Vol. 3: Cultural Theory