Why use Reference sources?
Reference books are useful for finding basic information about authors and:
- for a quick overview of a topic
- to develop vocabulary or keywords
- for suggestions for further sources
These books are located on the main floor of the library near the Research Help Desk and are for use only in the library. If you don't see the book you want, be sure to ask!
Other reference books useful in studying literature
The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages by Call Number: D114 .O94 2010 v.1 -4ISBN: 9780198662624Publication Date: 2010-07-29
Dictionary of National BiographyCall Number: Reference Collection DA28 .D422scholarly biographies of British people from ancient to modern times; encyclopedic set with volumes still being added
American National Biography by Call Number: Reference Collection CT213 .A68 1999ISBN: 0195206355Publication Date: 1999-01-21includes excellent author biographies; multivolume set, still growing
Selected Reference Materials
The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism by Call Number: PN81 .J554 2005ISBN: 0801880106Publication Date: 2004-11-03
Literary Research Guide by Call Number: Reference Collection PR83 .H34 2008ISBN: 9780873528085Publication Date: 2008-01-01
Encyclopedia of Folklore and Literature by Call Number: Reference Collection PN41 .E48 1998ISBN: 1576070034Publication Date: 1998-09-02
The Oxford Companion to American Literature by Call Number: PS21 .H3 1983ISBN: 9780195030747Publication Date: 1983-10-13
The Norton Anthology of African American Literature by Call Number: PS508.N3 N67 2004ISBN: 0393977781Publication Date: 2003-12-19
The Encyclopedia of Novels into Film by Call Number: Reference Collection PN1997.85 .T54 2005ISBN: 0816054495Publication Date: 2005-02-01
The Oxford Companion to English Literature by ISBN: 0198661304Publication Date: 1985-05-16
A Companion to Anglo-Saxon Literature by ISBN: 0631209042Publication Date: 2001-12-21
A Dictionary of Biblical Tradition in English Literature by ISBN: 0802836348Publication Date: 1992-11-01
The Companion to Southern Literature by ISBN: 0807126926Publication Date: 2004-03-01
