30 SECOND LITERATURE

Part of the 30-Second series, this guide covers in seven sections the history of literature from Sanskrit to Modernism, the novel in all its guises, non-fiction from diaries to philosophies, poetry, drama, literary devices and literary styles. Each individual topic - such as symbolism, science fiction, sonnets and stream of consciousness - is summarised in 300 words and contains a small bibliography. You can also brush up on literary terms ahead of that book-club meeting, as each chapter features its own glossary. Interspersed throughout are profiles of key literary figures.