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These all purpose books define literary terms, identify fictional characters and places, and give biographical information on authors. They are valuable as sources of quick information.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the famous dictionary which gives word histories for most words in the English Language. We have an online and a print version.

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Dr. Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language The first English language dictionary, published in 1755.

A Handbook to Literature  Brief entries defining genres, allusions, movements, literary terms. Based on the 1936 classic by William Thrall and Addison Hibbard.   

Cambridge Collections Online (online)  A variety of literary companions.

Reference Guide to World Literature (Online through Gale Virtual Library)

Oxford Companion to English Literature Generally a basic reader's source book. Dictionary arrangement of literary allusions, characters. Very little on current literature. Good sections on censorship, history of press law.   

Oxford Companion to American Literature . Covers social, economic, scientific, military, political, and religious effects on literature. Good biographical information.  

A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory Technical terms, literary forms, genres, groups and movements, phrases, ~isms, motifs, themes, objects such as manuscripts, and concepts such as sublime are all defined in this dictionary.  Entries range from a line or two to several pages.   

Cambridge Guide to Literature in English . Very brief entries on people, places, specific works, genres, rhetorical terms, and critical concepts.