Skip to Main Content

English Literature: Home

A guide to finding information in English literature. Includes links to key resources and sources of help.

Get started by using books

Books

Great for summaries and background information books are a reliable, easy to understand source. Most of the books for English Literature can be found on the 4th Floor of the Library.

Find your reading list

Use your module reading list to find books recommended by your lecturer. Find the link on the module site on Blackboard or via the link below.

Find books on a topic using the catalogue

Alternatively search for a specific book or books on a topic using the Enterprise catalogue (search box below).


Scholarly editions and series

These series, such as the Arden, New Cambridge and Shakespeare editions, are considered a scholarly edition of a work and sometimes have lengthy and useful introductions.

Arden Shakespeare / New Cambridge Shakespeare / Oxford Shakespeare
Reputable critical editions of Shakespeare’s texts with scholarly annotations, recommended by the School of English and American Literature

Blackwell companions to literature and culture
A well established series of critical works, covering major themes and genres in literature.

Cambridge Companions
Introductions to major writers, topics and periods.
Available online, many are available in print in the Library too. Search the Enterprise catalogue (above,) for "cambridge companions" to find these. 

Early English Text Society series
820.6-EAR
A useful series for scholarly editions of primary texts

Middle English texts
820.8-MID
A useful series for scholarly editions of primary texts

Oxford History of English Literature
820.9-OXF
Important series of historical and critical writing covering different literary periods

Renaissance English Text Society series
Reproductions and translations of significant non-dramatic writings in English from the period 1475-1660

Extend your search using journal articles

For the latest information on specific topics use journal articles.

Summon articles you can read straightaway

For quick access to articles available to students at Reading search Summon for your topic using the box below. 



Go one step beyond...

Explore further using these key resources for your subject:

Your Librarian

Profile Photo
Natalie Guest
She / Her
Contact:
Get my help with finding relevant books and articles for your research, help with accessing library materials and collections, referencing and reference management software.

Email me with your question or book an appointment

0118 3783415
Website

Additional guides