book the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms

the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms book by chris baldick

welcome to goodbook, your trusted source for literary insights and essential reading material. today, we delve into a cornerstone of literary scholarship: the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms by the esteemed chris baldick. this indispensable volume is a crucial companion for anyone seeking to navigate the complex and beautiful landscape of literary language and theory. its designed to demystify the terms that shape our understanding and appreciation of written works, from classic novels to contemporary poetry.

the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms summary

the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms by chris baldick offers a comprehensive yet remarkably accessible guide to the vast vocabulary of literature and criticism. with over a thousand entries, this dictionary provides clear, concise, and often insightful definitions for terms that students, educators, and avid readers frequently encounter. it expertly covers a wide spectrum of literary concepts, ranging from fundamental elements of narrative and poetry to complex theories and critical movements. baldick’s work is celebrated for its ability to explain challenging ideas, such as post-structuralism, deconstruction, and reader-response criticism, with clarity and precision. the book is meticulously cross-referenced, aiding readers in tracing connections between different terms and concepts, thereby deepening their understanding. it includes not only english terms but also those from other languages, alongside pronunciation guides for over 200 potentially tricky words. this dictionary serves as an essential tool for enhancing literary analysis and discussion.

1. full book name : the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms
2. author name : chris baldick
3. genre : literary reference, dictionary, literary theory, criticism
4. page count : approximately 246 pages (first edition); later editions may vary.
5. isbn : 9780198117339 (for 1990 hardcover edition)
6. asin : not readily available for all editions, specific to digital formats.
7. edition language : english
8. date of publication : september 20, 1990 (first edition)

about the author chris baldick

chris baldick is a distinguished scholar and emeritus professor of english literature at goldsmiths, university of london. he is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the study of literary history and criticism. professor baldick has authored several influential books, including the modern movement and the social mission of english criticism, and has edited notable collections such as the oxford book of gothic tales. his expertise lies in exploring the evolution of literary concepts and critical thought, making him uniquely qualified to compile a definitive dictionary of literary terms.

the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms faq

1. what makes the concise oxford dictionary of literary terms a valuable resource?

   this dictionary is highly valued for its clear, concise, and often witty explanations of over a thousand literary terms. it covers a broad range, from ancient concepts to modern critical theories, making it an accessible yet scholarly resource for students and general readers alike. the comprehensive cross-referencing and inclusion of terms from various languages further enhance its utility.

2. can you describe the scope of literary terms covered in the book?

   the dictionary includes terms from traditional drama, versification, rhetoric, and literary history, alongside contemporary critical and theoretical movements like feminism, deconstruction, and semiotics. it also features terms from languages other than english and provides pronunciation guides for difficult words, ensuring broad coverage for diverse literary studies.

3. who is the intended audience for this literary terms dictionary?

   the book is designed for a wide audience, including university and college students studying literature, teachers of english, literary critics, writers, and general readers interested in deepening their understanding of literary language. it aims to demystify complex terminology for anyone engaging with literary texts.

4. what is the significance of chris baldicks expertise in compiling this dictionary?

   chris baldicks background as an emeritus professor of english literature and his extensive work in literary history and criticism lend significant authority to this dictionary. his academic career has focused on the evolution of literary concepts, allowing him to provide accurate, contextually rich, and insightful definitions that are indispensable for serious literary study.

5. how does this dictionary assist in understanding complex literary theories?

   baldick excels at breaking down intricate theoretical concepts, such as post-structuralism or reader-response criticism, into understandable terms. the dictionary’s structure, with clear definitions and cross-references, helps users navigate the often-opaque vocabulary of literary theory, making it an essential guide for those exploring advanced critical ideas.