The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature

`Review from previous edition This is a scrupulously produced, smartly laid-out, academically serious and at the same time relishably browsable book.' Henry Hitchings, The Times Literary Supplement `a work of extraordinary value ... No library, no matter how small, can claim not to be able to afford at least one copy of this invaluable and almost incomparable, reference book. Another authoritative reference work of remarkable value will be welcome news to those libraries which found themselves unable to purchase the full edition.' Library Review `No guide could come more classic than The Oxford Companion to English Literature ... the literary reference source of first resort ... indispensable ... . Contemporary international writing is excellently covered ... excellent chronology' Malcolm Bradbury, The Times `Always good company' Ian Sansom, Guardian `Everybody with an interest in English literature will want to own it' David Sexton, Evening Standard `Remains irresistible' Sue Gaisford, Harpers & Queen `Continues to stand out as distinctive, authoritative, and a work of excellence' Reference Reviews `Increasing user-friendliness and a nice "up to date" feel' Reference Reviews `Sumptuous volume.' Ferdinand Mount, Standpoint `Detailed, clear and lively accounts.' Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman `A classic now made contemporary, this really is a boon companion.' Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman `Birch and the contributors have done an excellent job.' Sameer Rahim, Daily Telegraph `Excellence is in the details.' Times Literary Supplement, Henry Hitchings `It offers companionable assistance; it's your pal in literary need.' John Sutherland, Sunday Times `It is a fascinating, compact and readable reference work.' Day by Day `accessible, readable' Mail on Sunday `If you are at all interested in literature, then this is your essential reference book' Writers News