Short Guide to Writing about Literature, A

I bought this in addition to my textbook for an Intro to Literary Studies class. It wasn't required but my professor was not clear about the mechanics of a literary paper, so it was just the step by step guide to writing papers that I needed. It tells you how to take notes and start thinking about writing a paper about each type of literature: prose, poem, drama, etc. Then it shows you an example paper and explains why it's a good paper. It's not an MLA guide, although it covered that, too.

Got this instead of wasting $150 on a physical copy. We used this book maybe 5 times in my LCS course at my university, would always recommend buying digital or used rather than a new copy you are going to waste money on.

Textbook was delivered as expected

Just as advertised. Exactly what I needed for class. This is a really good text book, it's one the professional student should hold on to even after the semester is over.

Easy to read, the author guides you through a series of logical steps to analyzing literary works and then presenting coherent arguments,

The back of the 11th edition gives five reasons why this edition is better than the other ones. I disagree that the 11th edition is that much better than the 9th edition, which I also have. The paper cover of the 11th edition feels flimsier and weaker. The back of the 11th edition claims there are five (good) reasons exclusive to the 11th edition as to why you should buy it. The written explanation for the first reason could be both simpler and clearer: "A new introduction in Chapter 1 explains writing as a process in which you argue with--and ultimately explain something to--yourself." Arguing with yourself does not sound either safe nor advisable, especially if you are having a bad day. Explaining things to yourself sounds like one needs help of the non-literary kind. Reason number two sounds good: "An updated chapter on print and electronic research [offering] advice..." This is nothing new, but why shouldn't the reader benefit from another's digital wisdom? The amount of digital information available on the Web grows exponentially faster than one can keep up with. Reason number three (sounds like door number three) is from the more is better paradigm: Twenty model student essays--including three new to this edition... This is a very good feature of this writing guide. I never counted how many there were in the 9th edition, but in this case, more is better. Generally, I have found the example essays, analysis and explications to be of great help, except for the section on meter, which I found just as difficult as the 9th edition's explanation. Reason number four: "Updated bilographical references..." More of the more is better paradigm. Can't complain with that. Reason number five (the last one): "New and expanded 'Rules for Writing...'" Almost every How to Write book or textbook I have looked at contains a section like this, so, I have to say this is nice but nothing really new. I gave this new edition four stars out of five. The first reason didn't make sense and, I thought, needed re-writing to be clearer thus more helpful and/or convincing. The real reason for why you, or anyone else should buy this book, is that it is very good at taking a subject, which can be made as complex or as simple as you desire, and breaking it down into smaller, more productive and clearer steps, which should help you write better. I recently bought two copies of the 11th edition, one of which I gave to a student, and the other, I have to admit--I kept for myself. And that is my second reason for why you should buy this book. It is good enough, even though the 9th edition was not broken and needed repair, that I bit the bullet and kept a copy for myself. This is one of the more helpful reference and How to Write, self-help books available.P.S. I was not an English major and this book series did a very good job at answering most of the questions I have and have had.

"A Short Guide to Writing about Literature" is a good little introduction to college-level writing skills and literature that is often taught at the college level. Helpful for those who struggle with writing, but not necessarily useful to individuals who already have good writing skills. The biggest drawback is the constat "you can do it!" attitude. Could be helpful to some who need that extra push, but I found it a little demeaning.

Good resource

It is very good book, I bought when I started learning literature.

The book is great! The delivery on the other hand was horrible. The book was supposed to be delivered Thursday, I had payed extra for the fastest delivery possible when offering at about 3am Wednesday morning and so Thursday I stayed home all day waiting because I needed it for school. The buzzer in my building was on the fritz but I had given my phone number so was expecting a call that never came. At five I went downstairs and there was a delivery notice saying they had attempted the second delivery but they could have only attempted once because they didn't try the day before and don't deliver twice in one day. I called ups they said there drivers didn't have phones and couldn't call me and that they had only made one attempt to deliver not two. They said I could change my delivery address but I just moved to the city so didn't have a friend close by that would be at home all day the next day so they said they could hold it at the closest depot which was and hour and a half from my apartment by bus. So I got up at 8 the next morning after working until 2 am because the delivery notice said they would attempt delivery between 1030 and 2, and I went and bought a new phone for my buzzer hoping that would solve my buzzer issue and I'd be able to receive the books. I got home at 9 set up the phone, hit voice record on my cell phone and laid it beside the new buzzer phone so I could run down, buzz myself and be sure it would work before planning to stay home all day and wait again and when I got downstairs to buzz myself there was a final delivery attempt notice place on the outside of my building and hour and fifteen minutes before the delivery window they had stated had began on the second attempt so not what should have been the final. Thankfully the lady on the phone the day before was incorrect and the book was being held near my place and not 90min away and could be picked up the next day but I was going away the next day until the Monday and wanted to read it before starting my class Monday on my trip. But in the end I got it Monday after my first class and love the book. I'll def never use Amazon again though!! Unless they change delivery companies