Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature. Includes very brief entries on literary terms, works, authors, and other topics related to literature. Biographical essays with critical commentary on the author's major works.
Many writers appear in several volumes.
Use the index in the most recent volume to locate your author. Provides biographical information and a critical analysis of major writers. Arranged chronologically and by groups of writers. Use the index to locate the volume you need. Critical Survey of Long Fiction .