> Skip to content
  • Published: 19 November 2014
  • ISBN: 9780141047157
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 816
  • RRP: $45.00

The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory



The 5th edition of this seminal dictionary of literary terms and theory - 'An indispensable work of reference' (Times Literary Supplement)

The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory is firmly established as a key work of reference in the complex and varied field of literary criticism. Now in its fifth edition, it remains the most comprehensive and accessible work of its kind, and is invaluable for students, teachers and general readers alike.

- Gives definitions of technical terms (hamartia, iamb, zeugma) and critical jargon (aporia, binary opposition, intertextuality)
- Explores literary movements (neoclassism, romanticism, vorticism) and schools of literary theory
- Covers genres (elegy, fabliau, pastoral) and literary forms (haiku, ottava rima, sonnet)

  • Published: 19 November 2014
  • ISBN: 9780141047157
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 816
  • RRP: $45.00

Praise for The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory

Accomplishes cameo wonders of literary history ... generously and urbanely compiled

New York Times

Scholarly, succinct, comprehensive and entertaining ... an indispensable work of reference

Times Literary Supplement