This book gives you the background of literature and the theatre. It defines, clearly and crisply, the terms used in the literary arts and in their criticism. It outlines the history of criticism in the various lands. It explains the various literary schools, varieties of play, methods of theatre production; types of poetry, fiction, history, biography--the puppet show; the dance. Providing A Rich Compendium Of All You Need To Know When You Approach A Novel Or A Poem Or A Play. "This is an amazingly thorough reference work which must prove of enormous value to the theatre worker, professional or scholar everywhere; for the librarian, teacher, and critic, an essential tool." --George Freedley, President, Theatre Library Association. "To the delight and relief of librarians and students a gap in the reference collection has been bridged successfully, at last " --William A. Fitzgerald, Past President, Catholic Library Association.