Getting Started

This guide is intended for students who are enrolled in Literature 315, or for those interested in researching Eighteenth-Century British literature.

Reference works are an excellent way of getting background information on your topic. They're usually trustworthy because they've been written and reviewed by subject experts.

Electronic Reference Sources

Off-campus access requires my.emich authentication.

Oxford English Dictionary and Historical Thesaurus (OED Online) This link opens in a new window
Subjects: English Language, Word Origins
Info type: reference source, definitions, etymologies, quotations
Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
Search and display the full-text of reference books.
Subjects: Many subjects, including History, Education, Film, Health, Science, Social Science
Info type: encyclopedia and reference book entries.
List of sources.

Specific Reference Titles

British Writers Classics
Call Number: PR85 .B689; Reference Collection -- First Floor
Publication Date: 2003
Addresses the lives and careers of important writers, as well as the themes and styles of major works and places them in pertinent historical, social and political context.
England in the Age of Austen by J. Black
Publication Date: 2021
Provides a historical context for a deeper appreciation of classic novels and an account of what the village, church, and family home would have been like during this period.
All Things Austen: An Encyclopedia of Austen's World by K. Olsen
Call Number: PR4036 .A275 2005; Reference Collection -- First Floor
ISBN: 0313330328
Publication Date: 2005
Contains information about the social scene, workplace and church; as well as events, rituals and everyday customs that constituted life in England.
Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment by E. Wilson
Call Number: B802 .W48 2004; Reference Collection -- First Floor
ISBN: 0816053359
Publication Date: 2004
Features articles on topics such as science, education, art and architecture, personalities and notable works. Includes suggestions for further reading.
An Encyclopedia of British Women Writers by P. Schlueter (editor)
Call Number: PR111 .E54 1998; Reference Collection -- First Floor
ISBN: 0813525438
Publication Date: 1999

Other Print Reference Sources

EMU Library's Print Reference Collection
Our print reference collection is located on the first level in Information Commons North.

Most reference materials having to do with literature have call numbers beginning with P.

Search Esearch - limit to reference..

Reference materials cannot be checked out.

Get Research Help

Use 24/7 live chat below or:

In-person Help Fall 2024 Mon-Thur: 10am - 7pm, Fri: 10am - 3pm

Email or phone replies

Appointments with librarians

Access Library and Research Help tutorials

Humanities Librarian

Robert Stevens

Contact:

103-A Halle Library
734.487.2513
rsteven5@emich.edu

Use the Schedule Appointment link (above), email or call for assistance with library research.

Subjects: Arts, Communication & Speech, English & Literature, Languages & Linguistics, Philosophy & Religion