Eastern Kentucky University LibGuides@EKU - English & Literary Research

Secondary Sources?

Journal articles and book chapters written about a work of literature and offering a critical view of a work of literature are called literary criticism. The works of literature (and many other types of work) are considered primary sources.

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Search for Books

Essays and biographical information can often be found in books owned by the library. Search WorldCat.org to find out what we and other local libraries own related to your topic or author

Can't find a book you're looking for? We'll get it for you via Interlibrary Loan.

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Need Background Info?

Shmoop is a website created by Ph.D. and Masters students from top universities, like Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and Yale. At Shmoop, you'll find guides to the great works of literature and poetry, written in an accessible style. Use Shmoop to find a topic, learn about literary devices or characters, and organize your ideas into an outline.

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Searching for Literary Criticism

The first step in your research, after identifying a topic, is to find journal articles, books, and other information that will support your thesis. Use the links below to create a list of citations. Search the library's holdings for the items once you have a good list. Separating the searching for citations from the finding of items can simplify the process.

MLA International Bibliography

The premier database for literature criticism and research, created by the Modern Language Association.
Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism

Now expanded and updated, The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism is an indispensable resource for scholars and students of literary theory and discourse.
Academic Search Premier

Tip! After you search, click the "Academic Journals" link on the left to see only articles from scholarly sources.
Literature Resources from Gale

Search here for secondary criticism, primary sources, biographical information, reviews and more.
Literature Criticism Online

Search here for critical essays, author bibliographies, and biographical information.
Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers series

Click this link to search the library's catalog for this series of books on popular authors such as Barbara Kingsolver and Amy Tan.
Cambridge Companions to Literature series

The library owns more than 100 books in this series, which focus on authors, periods, and literary theories.
Critical Essays series

Click this link to search the library's catalog for books published in the Critical Essays on American, British, and World Literature.
Twentieth Century Interpretations of ... series

This series of books contain modern critical essays on great works of literature from across all periods. Use this link to see what the library owns.