A Concise Companion to World Literature

Provides a student-friendly introduction to World Literature

Bridging the gap between introductory materials and advanced scholarly research, the Concise Companion to World Literature offers a streamlined selection of the most popular and essential essays from The Companion to World Literature, specifically tailored for undergraduate students and instructors. This single-volume resource, edited by Ken Seigneurie and Paula Karger, presents 100 carefully curated chapters, fully revised for clarity and accompanied by newly commissioned essays.

The Concise Companion, which retains the original work's three-tiered organisational structure—period essays, thematic bridge essays, and author-title chapters—offers a nuanced exploration of major literary traditions across time and geography. Each entry contextualises major literary works within the broader framework of global literary traditions, enriching discussions on periodisation, literary movements, and cross-cultural connections. With its accessible scholarship and enhanced learning tools, it is a vital resource for students beginning their journey in World Literature and for educators seeking a structured, easy-to-use reference.

Providing an engaging approach to the vast landscape of global literary traditions, the Concise Companion to World Literature:

• Features an entirely new introductory section that offers contemporary perspectives on World Literature
• Showcases a diverse array of global texts, authors, and traditions to deliver a broad and inclusive literary perspective
• Addresses key debates in World Literature, including periodisation, cross-cultural exchange, and literary historiography
• Includes a new pedagogical supplement to assist instructors in course design and aid students in literary analysis

The Concise Companion to World Literature, designed for second- and third-year undergraduate students, is an essential resource for courses in World Literature, Comparative Literature, and Humanities programmes. It is also a valuable tool for graduate students and faculty seeking an authoritative and easy-to-use reference for teaching and research in the field.