An essential handbook for literary studiesThe Princeton Handbook of Poetic Terms-drawn from the latest edition of the acclaimed Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics-provides an authoritative guide to the most important terms in the study of poetry and literature. Featuring 226 fully revised and updated entries, including 100 that are new to this edition, the book offers clear and insightful definitions and discussions of critical concepts, genres, forms, movements, and poetic elements, followed by invaluable, up-to-date bibliographies that guide users to further reading and research. Because the entries are carefully selected and adapted from the Princeton Encyclopedia, the Handbook has unrivalled breadth and depth for a book of its kind, in a convenient, portable size. Fully indexed for the first time and complete with an introduction by the editors, this is an essential volume for all literature students, teachers, and researchers, as well as other readers and writers.

Preface viiAcknowledgments ix
Alphabetical List of Entries xi
Bibliographical Abbreviations xiii
General Abbreviations xvii
Contributors xix
Entries A to Z 1
Index 393