Rating: 
Summary: Clear explanations of terms.....
Review: .....I've pursued creative writing as a hobby for the past several years and, not having any formal training, I've had to search out other ways to comprehend all the new literary jargon I was encountering. This glossary of literary terms offers clear and thorough defintions of each literary movement in history, terms common to the analyses of poetry (verse, metaphor, alliteration, etc.) terms frequently encountered in fiction-writing books (e.g., climax, mood, tone, etc.), terms of literary criticism and much more. Most terms also have examples that Abrams offers to clarify the exact meaning. I highly recommend this book to all writers and to anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of the understanding of the structure and/or history behind the writing they read.
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Summary: Want know anything about literary terms?;read this book!
Review: A Glossary of Literary Terms by M. H. Abrams is an excellent guide in to the realm of literary terms. Being an inquisitive person by nature, I found this book, i.e., A Glossary of Literary Terms by M. H. Abrams to be indispensable. Want to know what the term Ivory Tower means and its etymological background then one should definetely read and use this book. Abrams writes in a very easy, yet scholarly tone that makes this book very readable and he, M.H. Abrams does not choose to use difficult terms in his writings and never chooses a term to impress the writer (which he could have easily done; however it shows a level of self-restraint that is rare in this field). The table of contents is well developed and the selection of the font is also well thought off, i.e., not too flashy, yet easy to read. The index has a practical lay out which makes it easy to use.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reference Book
Review: As a budding english major, I have found Abrahms' book an absolute lifesaver. This is the best reference book on literary terms that I have found yet.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reference Book
Review: As a budding english major, I have found Abrahms' book an absolute lifesaver. This is the best reference book on literary terms that I have found yet.
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful
Review: I've used the 6th edition of this book for my research and own person edification for almost 5 years now. Abrams writes in a clear, understandable style that manages to enlight rather than confuse the reader. I've used other books like this one and they either give too little information or so much information that the reader is overwhelmed. Abrams manages to strike a perfect balance that gives you enough info to allow to be familiar with a topic and he offers suggestions for further reading if you want to know more.This book is essential for any English major or graduate student.
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful
Review: I've used the 6th edition of this book for my research and own person edification for almost 5 years now. Abrams writes in a clear, understandable style that manages to enlight rather than confuse the reader. I've used other books like this one and they either give too little information or so much information that the reader is overwhelmed. Abrams manages to strike a perfect balance that gives you enough info to allow to be familiar with a topic and he offers suggestions for further reading if you want to know more. This book is essential for any English major or graduate student.
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Summary: The best book on literary terms I know
Review: In contrast to other dictionaries or encyclopedias whose cramped style is barely readable, this Glossary of Literary Terms is a book to enjoy. There are little essays on all major literary terms; those which can only be understood in their context are included in essays of a different heading (e.g. "Bildungsroman" is one of the terms which are explained in the essay about the "novel"). At first sight this may seem a bit complicated, but in the long run it is a lot more efficient than the usual dictionary-style presentation. Of course an advanced student of literature may sometimes miss some details - but those are details nobody would remember anyway. Mr Abrams only gives you the facts you really want to know and memorize. And he does this in a style of remarkable clarity and fluency. While this proves him to be a member of an old school of lit crit, the Glossary contains good introducitons to recent trends as well (postcolonial studies, gay and lesbian literature etc.) I am thankful that I didn't have to study literature without Abrams' Glossary!
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Book to start with when doing Literary analysis
Review: It collects 1-1.5 page of literature on each literary term. Besides the definition, it also provides the author's perception on the movements or literature related to the term.Examples of quotes and related terms are available in the explanation.It not only gives a spatial explanation of the term, but also its temporial historic evolution . Yet, the two oustanding weaknesses of the book are:1)it's a glossary but a dictionary(you might not be able to find the term you are looking for);you might have to read the whole explanation before you totally understand what the term means.
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Summary: A mirror and a lamp
Review: M.H . Abrams was one of the great literary critics of Romanticism. This glossary of Literary Terms is written clearly and elegantly. It defines major terms, major movements in Literary History, provides excellent examples. Though there are by this time a number of other fine works of this kind, this remains an outstanding one.
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Summary: Top reference book!
Review: There is nothing in this book that is not in any other literary terms book. However, it's the quality, not quantity (isn't that what they always say? Well, it's true this time). The way that terms are defined makes sense to everyone, not just the avid writer or reader of literature. For example, look up 'Heroic Couplets' elsewhere and you'll find broad, vague definitions with little or no description. Well, think again when it comes to Mr. Abrams version of interpretation. Also, the way the book is structured is clever in itself. When looking up one definition, it leads to other words that are unknown, thus making full use of the book. If you have any desire to write or just want a better understanding of what terms are being thrown at you in text, consult this gem. If you don't agree, contact me and I'll refund your money (okay, that was a joke). Wise investment.
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