Research Guides: English Studies Research Guide: Literary Criticism

Databases for Literary Criticism

MLA International Bibliography
Provides access to scholarly research pertaining to literature, language, linguistics, and folklore.
Gale Literature Resource Center
Biographical, critical and bibliographical information on authors.
Literary Reference Plus
Articles and other information about authors and their works. Previously titled Literary Reference Center.
JSTOR
Provides access to academic journals and books covering a wide range of disciplines; it also includes some limited primary source collections.
Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism
A historical survey of literary theory and criticism. It includes more than 240 alphabetically arranged entries on critics and theorists, critical schools and movements. Also the critical and theoretical innovations of specific countries and historical periods.

Online Resources

Purdue OWL: Literary Theory and Schools of Criticism Guide
This resource will help you begin the process of understanding literary theory and schools of criticism and how they are used in the academy.

Individual Series in Gale Literature Criticism

19th Century Literature Criticism (LCO)
Features critical responses on the works of 19th-century writers of all genres, nations, and cultures during this transitional period of literature. Full text coverage from 1981-2023.
20th Century Literary Criticism (LCO)
Brings together full-text literary criticism on the works of nearly 1,200 20th-century authors of all genres from every region of the world.
Children's Literature Review (LCO)
Critical essays covering more than 750 authors and includes numerous entries focusing on individual titles and topics in children’s and young adult literature, including picture books, folklore, and graphic novels.
Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism (LCO)
Contains critical responses to the works of nearly 400 writers from every region of the world, from the earliest known examples to the even of the modern era. Full text coverage from 1988-2023.
Contemporary Literary Criticism (LCO)
This collection contains critical essays with commentary on the works of more than 3,000 contemporary authors from around the world, currently active or active during the later 20th century.
Drama Criticism (LCO)
This collection includes literary criticism on the works of playwrights from all time periods and nationalities, and to present discerning commentary on dramatic works of enduring interest. Full text coverage from 1991-2022.
Literature Criticism 1400-1800 (LCO)
This series includes critical essays on the works of writers from the late Medieval period through the European Renaissance and Enlightenment and the age of colonial expansion. Full text coverage from 1984-2023.
Poetry Criticism (LCO)
This series provides a critical perspective on some of the most influential poems and renowned poets from around the globe, featuring critical commentary, scholarly discourse, and biographical context. Full text coverage from 1991-2023.
Shakespearean Criticism (LCO)
Contains critical responses from the 17th century to today that document the reaction of scholars and commentators, from a variety of viewpoints, on Shakespeare's literary works and performances. Full text coverage from 1984-2023.
Short Story Criticism (LCO)
Features critical analyses and introductory essays on works written by influential short story authors.

Reference Books

The Routledge Concise History of Literary Criticism and Theory by Pelagia Goulimari
ISBN: 0415544319

Publication Date: 2014-10-28

This incredibly useful volume offers an introduction to the history of literary criticism and theory from ancient Greece to the present.
Key Concepts in Literary Theory by Julian Wolfreys; Ruth Robbins; Kenneth Womack
ISBN: 9780748624584

Publication Date: 2001-10-22

Key Concepts in Literary Theory presents the student of literary and critical studies with a broad range of accessible, precise and authoritative definitions of the most significant terms and concepts currently used in psychoanalytic, poststructuralist, Marxist, feminist, and postcolonialliterary studies.
A Glossary of Contemporary Literary Theory by Jeremy Hawthorn
ISBN: 9780340692219

Publication Date: 1998-05-07

Now in its third edition, this critically acclaimed glossary has been revised and expanded to include many new terms in this volatile and fast-changing field.
The Penguin Dictionary of Critical Theory by David Macey
ISBN: 9780140513691

Publication Date: 2002-07-30

This acclaimed dictionary provides the ideal introduction to the range of theories and theorists on offer and will prove an invaluable and authoritative resource to all students.

Search for Criticisms in the Catalog

To search for criticisms on a particular author, add the term "criticism and interpretation" to your search: