Literature Books in the Learning Commons
Starting Points
Library Databases (login to delaGATE)
Other Databases
- Bloom's Literature This link opens in a new windowThis database is a great place to get started. It allows users to search on particular literary works in Poetry, Drama, Fiction, and Nonfiction found in the Western literary canon. It also provides author biographies, some literary criticism, and main themes found in particular works. Learn strategies for writing good essays.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowThis resource has online reference resources that is a great place to start research. It has a Concept Map that can help brainstorm keywords - it also provides great background for many literary works and writers.
- MagillOnLiterature Plus This link opens in a new windowThis database provides brief plot summaries, character profiles, and detailed setting discussions for many literary works including long and short fiction, poetry, and drama. There are biographies and also some critical analyses. This database should help provide keywords to assist in further in-depth searching.
Websites
- A Handbook of Rhetorical DevicesThis is a reprint of a book written in 1980 that can help with literary papers.
- Literature websitesRecommended by the DCCC Librarians
- Writing in LiteratureProvides literary terms and tips on how to write a literature paper.
Print Resources found in the Learning Commons - Reference Section
The Columbia Encyclopedia of Modern Drama by Call Number: REF PN1861 .C65 2007
Encyclopedia of the Novel by Call Number: REF PT 7760 .T84 1999
A Handbook to Literature by Call Number: REF PN 41 .H355 2000
The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism by Call Number: REF PN81 .J554 1994
Literature and Its Times by Call Number: REF PN50 .L574 1997Information about the historical background of over 300 often-studied literary works from around the world. This five-volume set is arranged chronologically by major historical periods.
The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics by Call Number: REF PN1021 .N39 2012
World Literature and Its Times by Call Number: REF PN50 .M625This volume focuses on major fiction, poetry, and non-fiction from around the world.
Author Information
Finding biographical information might help the literary research process. Search Summon for books or eBooks about an author (search by the author's last name).
- Summon This link opens in a new windowSummon enables you to search across Library Services' collection of electronic resources from a single search box.
Databases with author biographical information:
- Bloom's Literature This link opens in a new windowLiterature resources and criticism selected by Harold Bloom. Includes reference essays and scholarly criticism; full-length videos of classic plays and films; hundreds of full-text, classic works; “How to Write about” guides; and more.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowCredo is an online resource that covers every subject. For author biographies type in the author's name to pull up encyclopedia essays and other background information.
- Twayne's Authors Online This link opens in a new windowProvides critical and biographical information about writers. Includes analysis of key works and literary movements.
