This encyclopedia is the most comprehensive guide to date in the field of literature and literary criticism. In 90 essays by eminent critics and scholars the volume covers both traditional topics such as literature and history, poetry, drama, the novel and newer topics such as the cultural production and reception of literature.Current critical ideas are lucidly and provocatively discussed, while the volume's arrangement reflects dynamically the rich and stimulating diversity of thought about literature and literary criticism. Each essay seeks to provide the reader with a clear sense of the significance of its subject as well as bibliographic material and guidance for further reading.