The Handbook to Literary Research

by W.R. Owens (Editor)

A Handbook to Literary Research is a vital, one of a kind student resource, which has been written specifically for those embarking on a Masters degree in Literature. It provides an introduction to research techniques, methodologies and information sources relevant to the study of literature at postgraduate level. The unique and invaluable guide is divided into four * a practical guide to the uses of research libraries, research sources and computers, including the Internet
* an introduction to the work of textual scholars and bibliographers, focusing particularly on the practical and theoretical issues faced by textual editors
* an overview of literary research and literary theory, including outlines of feminist theory, deconstruction, reader-response and reception theory, new historicism, and post-colonial theory
* a detailed guide on how to write and present a Masters, including a glossary and checklist for finding guides, reference books and other study sources.

Genres: Literature, Academic, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1999

Reviews

[Mira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I don't hate the book... but I don’t love it either!
The HB is pretty good in offering a lot of dry info in a comprehensible way, especially chapters written by Owens and Elliott, and especially when compared to other books, like Greetham's.

But, why, just why is Gupta so bloody indecipherable! I felt like I was reading the Rosetta stone when I was reading them! That's how meaningless they were to me...

Also, why are the chapters about research and writing papers and such are put at the end?

So, all in all, it's a useful book, but I'm hoping one day they will rewrite the chapters about the institutionalisation of the English Department and Theory, in a way that's more understandable to, well, people!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fills you in on everything - and is one of the set texts for the open university MA so read up with this book if you're studying that. Set out in quite an easy to follow style and very informative (my copy is absolutely covered in post-its to remind me of bits that I think will proove useful to my studies). Has loads of easy to follow reference aids at the back and a big glossary of all the terms and abbreviations that might not make sense at first glance.ò

[Robert Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marvellous if you're doing a research degree.
Rather a grind if you're not.
I'm not.

[Wiam Najjar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and very useful for postgraduate students

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to the resources needed by undergrads for more in-depth work in literature.