The Oxford Companion to English Literature - Margaret Drabble (Editor) > Reviews

Advantages: Comprehensive, good reference material
Disadvantages: Expensive

The first 'Oxford Companion to English Literature' was published in 1932 under the editorial direction of Sir Paul Harvey (no relation the American radio commentator). Half a century and five editions later, this is still a standard, authoritative reference work necessary for scholars and interested non-experts alike. Under the editorship of Margaret Drabble, author and biographer (known for 'The Witch of Exmoor' and the more recently published ... Read review

Advantages: A very comprehensive overview
Disadvantages: Sometimes not detailed enough

...been updated on several occasions. The main focus of the alphabetical listing is writers and their major works. Writers of course include authors, playwrights and poets. Shakespeare is afforded two and a half pages, which must be one of the longest entries. (Milton's is comparable.) Within the entry for any writer, an asterisk next to the title of a work or the name of another writer indicates a separate entry where more detail can be found. So, if ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderful resource
Disadvantages: none

The Oxford Companion to English Literature is a weighty tome. But there's no fat! No, sir! Every ounce of the weight of this book is pure literary muscle! The book was first published in 1932, edited by Sir Paul Harvey, and the current edition is edited by the author Margaret Drabble. The book is an invaluable companion to anyone who has an interest in English, be it professional or amateur. The design of the book is simple to follow, with each ... Read review