A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory - Fifth Edition

Sep 20, 2026

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A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory, Fifth Edition, provides an updated, expanded reference work for criticism and literary scholarship. Revised by M. A. R. Habib with associate editors, it preserves the original volume’s historical range, conciseness, wit, intercultural breadth, and readability while improving effectiveness as a resource. The preface explains how entries are modernized, obscure terms removed, and lengthy entries limited to about three pages to keep the dictionary practical and approachable, avoiding a shift into an all-purpose contemporary glossary.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages801

Reading Time20 h 34 min

AccessFree to download

Preface to the Fifth Edition

Preface to the Fourth Edition

Preface to the Third Edition

Acknowledgements

List of Abbreviations

A–Z of Entries

a dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory A DICTIONARY OF Literary Terms and Literary Theory FIFTH EDITION J. A. CUDDON Revised by M. A. R. Habib Associate Editors Matthew Birchwood, Vedrana Velickovic, Martin Dines and Shanyn Fiske A John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Publication This edition first published 2013 © 2013 The Estate of J. A. Cuddon Edition History: André Deutsch Ltd (1e, UK, 1977); Doubleday & Company Inc. (1e, USA, 1977); André Deutsch Ltd (2e, UK, 1979); Doubleday & Company Inc. (2e, USA, 1980); Basil Blackwell Ltd (3e, 1991); Blackwell Publishers Ltd (4e, 1998) . Blackwell Publishing was acquired by John Wiley & Sons in February 2007. Blackwell’s publishing program has been merged with Wiley’s global Scientific, Technical, and Medical business to form Wiley-Blackwell. Registered Office John Wiley & Sons Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK Editorial Offices 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148–5020, USA 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2DQ, UK The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK For details of our global editorial offices, for customer services, and for information about how to apply for permission to reuse the copyright material in this book please see our website at [www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell](www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell). The right of J. A. Cuddon and M. A. R. Habib to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, without the prior permission of the publisher. Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. If professional advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Cuddon, J. A. (John Anthony), 1928-1996. A dictionary of literary terms and literary theory / J.A. Cuddon.– 5th ed. [p. cm](p. cm). Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-4443-3327-5 (cloth : alk. paper) 1. Criticism–Terminology. 2. Literature– Terminology. 3. English language–Terms and phrases. 4. Literary form–Terminology. I. Title. PN41 .C83 2013 803–dc23 2012035085 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. [Cover design by www.cyandesign.co.uk](Cover design by www.cyandesign.co.uk) Set in 10.5/12.5 pt Stempel Garamond by Toppan Best-set Premedia Limited CONTENTS Preface to the Fifth Edition by M. A. R. Habib vi Preface to the Fourth Edition by C. E. Preston viii Preface to the Third Edition by J. A. Cuddon x Acknowledgements xvi List of Abbreviations xvii A–Z of Entries 1–784 PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION While our editorial aim has been to produce an updated and more comprehensive version of the fourth edition of J. A. Cuddon’s Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory, we have tried to remain mindful of the fact that we are revising a volume that has hitherto enjoyed great success and has effectively created a wide audience. Hence, while we hav

FAQs

What is the purpose of this fifth edition?

It aims to provide an updated and more comprehensive revision of J. A. Cuddon’s dictionary while preserving its established strengths such as readability and conciseness.

How does the book approach updates to its entries?

It modernizes and revises entries, removes some very obscure terms, and retains certain esoteric discussions but in abbreviated form.

What guides the length of individual entries?

The preface states that the longest entries are kept to a maximum of about three pages to maintain a reference-friendly format and make space for new or expanded entries.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Anda