The world of literary theory and criticism has recently become increasingly complex and multi-faceted: the Encyclopedia of Literary Critics and Criticism provides a comprehensive guide (historcal and interntional) to a wide range of individual writers, critics and theorists, to major theories, and to central criticl concepts. Authoritative yet accessible, the entries range from 900 to 4,000 words, and all include an up to -date guide to further reading. Many provide a detailed discussion of a subject; others give an overview that draws together a range of themes and writers. Its scope makes the Encyclopedia unique: it includes all significant figures from Plato to the present day, and also traditions outside the Western critical canon, including, for example, those of Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Arabic literature.There are extensive indexes with more than 20,000 entries, of names, subject and titles. In addition there are cross references and a chronological listing of individuals appearing in the book.