eReference Resources: Arts & Humanities

50 Speeches That Made The Modern World is a celebration of the most influential and thought-provoking speeches that have shaped the world we live in. With comprehensive, chronological coverage of speeches from the 20th and 21st centuries, taken from all corners of the globe.

A Companion to Modern Art presents a series of original essays by international and interdisciplinary authors who offer a comprehensive overview of the origins and evolution of artistic works, movements, approaches, influences, and legacies of Modern Art.

The most comprehensive collection of essays on Renaissance poetry on the market Covering the period 1520-1680, a Companion to Renaissance Poetry offers 46 essays which present an in-depth account of the context, production, and interpretation of early modern British poetry. It provides students with a deep appreciation for, and sensitivity toward, the ways in which poets of the period understood and fashioned a distinctly vernacular voice, while engaging them with some of the debates and departures that are currently animating the discipline.

Dictionay of Mysticism provides concise definitions for over 2,200 terms used in many philosophies, religions, and doctrines which relate to the influence of the superhuman and supernatural on man’s everyday life. Terms relating to esoteric philosophy, occultism, religious mysticism, spiritualism, alchemy, and psychical research are defined. Particular attention is given to the Oriental philosophies of Buddhism, Brahmanism, Sufism, Lamaism, Zoroastrianism, Theosophy, and Cabbalism. Also included are terms used in magic and demonology.

A Dictionary of Postmodernism presents an authoritative source of the critical terms and central figures related to the origins and evolution of postmodernist theory and culture.

The Diversity Style Guide raises the consciousness of journalists who strive to be accurate. Based on studies, news reports and style guides, as well as interviews with more than 50 journalists and experts, it offers the best, most up-to-date advice on writing about underrepresented and often misrepresented groups.

A timely survey of an important sector of American letters, The Encyclopedia of African-American Writing covers the role and influence of African American cultural leaders, from all walks of life, from the 18th century to the present. Readers will explore what inspired various African-American writers to create poems, plays, short stories, novels, essays, opinion pieces and numerous other works, and how those writings contributed to culture in America today.

This classic and thoroughly delightful reference explores the origins of superstitions. You’ll discover the origins behind charms, spells, fairy lore and legend, folk remedies and customs of birth, marriage, and death. This collection will be a staple in your library for years and generations to come.

The Handy English Grammar Answer Book offers fundamental principles, grammar rules, punctuation advice, insights on writing, and writing examples for everyone and every occasion. From a brief history of the English language to the deconstruction and explanation of the different parts of a sentence, and from showing how to punctuate correctly to how to organize a well-argued essay, this easy-to-use reference answers nearly 500 questions and offers fun facts on the English language and its usage.

The Handy Literature Answer Book: Understand and Enjoy Meanings, Symbolism, and Signs in Great Works is an engaging, easy-to-read look at literature basics such as themes, symbols, context, and other literary devices.

Thousands of authoritative and accessible entries on every aspect of children's literature, covering authors, illustrators, works, characters, genres, and much more. From Mark Haddon to Harry Potter, Raymond Briggs to Maurice Sendak, and Douglas Adams to The Gruffalo.