Research Guides: Literature and Literary Criticism: Key Resources

Find Literary Criticism

Use the databases below to locate literary criticism in books and journals.

MLA International Bibliography
Points to articles, book chapters, and books related to literature, linguistics, cultural studies.

Date range: 1921 - present.
Literature Criticism Online
Look here to see how people have responded to and analyzed works over time.
World Shakespeare Bibliography Online
International works related to William Shakespeare and his works.

Find Historical Context

Do you want to explore the culture or period of history in which your literary work takes place? These databases can help.

Historical Abstracts with Full Text
World history from the 15th century to the present.

Coverage dating back to 1953, with some coverage for titles back to the early 20th century
America: History and Life with Full Text
Articles and book chapters providing historical and cultural coverage of the United States and Canada from prehistory to the present.

Publication Coverage: 1895 to the present.
British History Online
A digital library of key printed primary and secondary sources for the history of Britain and Ireland, focusing on 1300-1800.
Access to this database will end October 31, 2020
Project MUSE
Books, eBooks, and articles on the humanities and social sciences.

Date range: 1990 - present.
JSTOR
Full articles from major research journals in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

Coverage of most journals starts from the beginning and excludes the most recent three to five years.

Find Books at UMKC Libraries

Enter search terms in this box to search the MERLIN Library Catalog.

TIPS: Use broad keywords to locate books. Once you've found a good one, click on the Subject Headings to find more on your topic. Sample subject headings (can also be used as keywords) include:

English literature -- Social aspects -- History

Historical Fiction American History And Criticism

Great Britain -- History -- Victoria, 1837-1901

Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century

Prostitution -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century

Marriage United States History 19th Century