In this classic beginner's guide to English literature, Mario Klarer offers a concise and accessible discussion of central issues in the study of literary texts, looking at:




definitions of key terms such as literature and text
the genres of fiction, poetry, drama, and film
periods and classifications of literature
theoretical approaches to texts
the use of secondary resources
guidelines for writing research essays


The new and expanded edition is fully updated to include:




a wider range of textual examples from world literature
additional references to contemporary cinema, a section on comparative literature
an extended survey of literary periods and genres
recent changes in MLA guidelines
information on state-of-the-art citation management software
the use and abuse of online resources.


The book also features suggestions for further reading as well as an extensive glossary of key terms.