Author(s): Margaret Drabble

Reference

The acclaimed sixth edition of the classic guide brought right up to date Includes topics such as the literature of science, censorship, Anglo-Indian literature, gay and lesbian literature, New Criticism Over 140 contributors, including Lisa Appignanesi, Gillian Avery, Chris Baldick, Kate Clanchy, Jonathan Coe, Penelope Fitzgerald, Margaret Forster, John Gribbin, Richard Holmes, Michael Holroyd, Sheridan Morley, Roy Porter, Salman Rushdie, Ned Sherrin, Hilary Spurling, David Stafford, John Sutherland Wide-ranging coverage of writers, works, historical context, literary theory, allusions, and characters Encompasses recent writers, ideas, and scholarship Detailed chronology shows key literary works and events of the last thousand years in historical context Lists of poets laureate and literary prize winners from inception to the present day New to this edition Chronology and lists of prize winners, and many entries, updated; new jacket. The first edition of The Oxford Companion to English Literature , edited by Sir Paul Harvey, was published in 1932, and quickly established itself as as the standard source of reference for scholars, students, and general readers alike. In 1985, under the editorship of Margaret Drabble, the text was thoroughly and sensitively revised to bring it up to date without losing its essential character, or the lightness of touch that made it such a pleasure to dip into. The sixth edition, published in 2000, was extensively revised, expanded, and updated. Almost 600 new entries covered new writers, genres, and issues, and existing entries were reworked to incorporate the latest scholarship. The text was written by a team of more than 140 contributors under Margaret Drabble's editorial direction, including Brian Aldiss, Lisa Appignanesi, Jonathan Coe, Penelope Fitzgerald, Roy Porter, and Salman Rushdie. In addition to the extensive coverage of writers, works, literary theory, allusions, and characters, there are sixteen featured entries on key topics including black British literature, fantasy fiction, and modernism. The Companion remains an unrivalled work that places English literature in its widest context: no other book offers such extensive exploration of the classical roots of English literature, and the European and non-European works and writers that have influenced its development. The sixth edition is now being reissued to ensure that it remains absolutely up to date: the invaluable appendices - the chronology, and lists of winners of major literary awards - have been updated, as have many of the entries. Informed by the latest scholarly thinking, and comprehensively cross-referenced to guide the reader to topics of related interest, the Companion retains its position as the best guide to English literature available. Readership: The Companion to English Literature has a long-established and very wide and loyal readership. Since the first edition was published in 1932, it has maintained its position as the standard source of reference for academics, students, and general readers alike. It is also very popular with book club members.