Literary Criticism for Students (and anyone else)
Database Tips
Use the Boston Public Library's specialized literature and general databases to access full-text articles, biographical and critical essays, bibliographic citations, and more, on authors, their works, literary movements etc., from all time periods and all parts of the world,
Database Tips:
- If you are using a phrase in the basic search box, put it in quotes. For example: Fitzgerald and "Jazz Age."
- Look at the search limiters offered in each database. You can usually limit by full-text, date, or to peer-reviewed publications (articles from academic journals that go through a review process), etc.
- When you get your results, there are usually further limiting options on the left side of the screen.
- Check to see if there is an abstract. You should be able to gauge quickly from reading the abstract whether the article will be useful to your research.
- Consider the length of the article. A very short article will probably not have the depth you require.
- Tools usually available include the ability to print, e-mail documents, download documents, and generate citations that you can either save, or export to another citation management tool.
Literary Periodicals
- Gale Literature This link opens in a new window
An integrated search for Literature Criticism Online, Literature Resource Center, and Modern Language Association (MLA) International Bibliography.
- Gale Literature Resource Center This link opens in a new window
Literature Resource Center pulls together materials from many different print and online sources, including scholarly journals, literary reviews, reference books, authoritative websites, and more. The Research Guide walks you through the process of writing a research paper on a literature topic, from choosing a topic to gathering information, from formulating a thesis statement to writing, revising, and preparing a Works Cited page.
General Periodicals
- Gale Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
Millions of full-text articles cover the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects. Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1985. Updated daily. Coverage: 1980 - current.
- Gale Academic OneFile Select This link opens in a new window
From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers with full text and images.
Coverage: 1980-present - JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Full-text access to over 850 core scholarly journals covering 44 specialized subject areas. Complete back runs of many titles are available. Coverage: spread out over the last 150 years but no current coverage for last 3-5 years.
- The Listener Historical Archive (1929-1991) This link opens in a new windowThe Listener was a weekly publication, established by the BBC in 1929 as the medium for reproducing radio - and later, television - programs in print. It is our only record and means of accessing the content of many early broadcasts. With major contributors including E. M. Forester, George Orwell, and Bertrand Russell, it also provided an important platform for new writers and poets; W. H. Auden, Sylvia Plath, and Philip Larkin being notable examples.
- OmniFile Full Text Select This link opens in a new window
OmniFile Full Text, Select Edition provides one-stop searching of full-text articles in areas that cross disciplines -- ethnic studies, women’s studies, history, and more.
- Readers' Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982 (H.W. Wilson) This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive indexing of the most popular general-interest periodicals published in the United States and reflects the history of 20th century America. Covers subjects in Art, Business, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, History, Journalism, Medicine, Politics, Popular Culture, Religion, Science, Sports, Technology and more. Coverage: 1890-1982.