Dictionaries
- 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".
Resources for Critical Methodologies, Literary Terms & Movements
The best sources we have for literary methodologies are in print in the reference collection. But I have a couple links to online encyclopedias as well.
The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms by Call Number: JFK Main Level Reference - PN44.5 .M86 2003Publication Date: 2003"The Bedford Glossary presents definitions of more than 700 literary and critical terms for today's student."
Encyclopedia of Feminist Literary Theory by Call Number: JFK Main Level Reference - PN98.W64 E53 1997Publication Date: 1997"Features-in quick and convenient form-precise definitions of important terms and concise summaries of the salient ideas of critics working in the field who have made significant contributions to feminist literary studies, and points out how a feminist perspective has affected the development of emerging ideas and intellectual practices."
Encyclopedia of Literature and CriticismPublication Date: 1990In 90 essays by leading international critics and scholars, the volume covers both traditional topics such as literature and history, poetry, drama and the novel, and also newer topics such as the production and reception of literature. Current critical ideas are clearly and provocatively discussed, while the volume's arrangement reflects in a dynamic way the rich diversity of contemporary thinking about literature.
Encyclopedia of Themes in LiteraturePublication Date: 2011Presents an encyclopedia of themes in literature in an alphabetical format listing authors and their works.
A Glossary of Contemporary Literary Theory by Call Number: JFK Main Level Reference - PN44.5 .H37 2000Publication Date: 2000
The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism by Call Number: JFK Main Level Reference - PN81 .J554 2005Publication Date: 2004"While concentrating on the explosion of contemporary critical and theoretical works, the Guide presents a comprehensive historical survey of ideas and individuals ranging from Plato and Aristotle to twentieth-century scholars. It includes more than 240 alphabetically arranged entries on critics and theorists, critical schools and movements, and the critical and theoretical innovations of specific countries and historical periods."
Literary Movements for Students: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Literary Movements by Publication Date: 20092-volume online encyclopedia offering concise entries on major literary movements (absurdism to transcendentalism), with an introduction to the movement; discussion of representative authors and works; analysis of predominant themes; and an explanation of related literary techniques. Includes a glossary of literary terms.
Longman Dictionary of Literary TermsCall Number: JFK Main Level Reference - PN44.5 .K46 2006Publication Date: 2006
New Dictionary of the History of Ideas by Publication Date: 2004This 6-volume online encyclopedia offers concise entries on all aspects of academic thought, not just literary methodologies. But the major methodologies are present.
Background/Overviews on Particular Authors or Works
- 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.
- Dictionary of Literary Biography (Gale Literature) This link opens in a new windowBiographical and critical essays covering (mostly) American and British authors. Essays range from 10-20 pages long and include lengthy suggested readings.
- American Literary Scholarship (2000-present)Want to read up on the latest scholarship on major American authors or specific timeframes? Bibliographic, evaluative essays on the scholarship for the prior two years. Each essay is around 15-20 pages long.
- Something About the Author (Gale Literature) This link opens in a new windowBiographical or autobiographical information for authors and illustrators of children's and young adult books.