Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the most comprehensive dictionary of the English language. It will show you changes in meaning of words over time.
- Oxford English Dictionary (OED) This link opens in a new windowOnline version of the most comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Offers definitions over time and contextual examples of usage, including the first written usage.
- OED Historical ThesaurusSubset of the OED, but easier way to browse the changing definitions of a word through time.
- How to Use the OEDThe OED's help pages
- OED AbbreviationsThe OED uses lots of abbreviations. This page will tell you what the abbreviation stands for, but not a more detailed definition.
- OED GlossaryHow the OED is defining some of their terms, such as when a definition is "obsolete".
Background Info on Authors, Themes, Historical Events
Want to get a sense of how a particular work has been received?
Want a quality overview of literary themes or movements, or background information on a historical event?
Below are some suggested resources for quality background information. These aren't databases for finding sources to use and cite in your research paper. Instead they are useful for quickly building up your knowledge on an author, work, or theme/motif, and giving you a sense of the standard or typical interpretation of works. (You're not likely to find any really original or revisionist interpretations in these databases.)
- Gale Literature This link opens in a new windowSearches across several Gale literary databases, including Literature Criticism, Gale eBooks - Biography & Literature collections, Dictionary of Literary Biography, and Something About the Author (biographical and critical information on children's and YA authors). Formerly named Gale Literary Sources, Artemis Literary.
Literary Movements for Students
Publication Date: 2009Offers basic introduction to literary movements; discussion of certain representative authors and works associated with the movement; analysis of the movement's predominant themes; and an explanation of related literary techniques.
