Oxford Concise Companion to English Literature

The “Oxford Concise Companion to English Literature” is a compact, indispensable reference guide to English literature. It’s an abridged version of the much larger “Oxford Companion to English Literature” and is designed to be a convenient resource for students, teachers, and general readers.
Key Features
This companion provides a wide range of information in a single, alphabetical volume. Its entries cover:
• Writers and their works: Major and minor authors, poets, and playwrights are included, with summaries of their key works.
• Literary concepts: Explanations of literary theories, genres (like science fiction and travel writing), and critical movements are provided.
• Historical context: Information on historical events and periods that influenced literature.
• Characters and plot summaries: Brief descriptions of fictional characters and the plots of significant works.
• Appendices: These sections often include useful lists, such as a timeline of English literature and winners of major literary prizes like the Nobel, Booker, and Pulitzer prizes.
The book is known for its extensive coverage, with thousands of entries that range from short identifications of characters to more detailed articles on major authors. It aims to be both authoritative and accessible, making complex topics understandable for a wide audience.