Using MLA
Critical Reception
If you are looking at historical and contemporary reception of an author, you may want to explore the Critical Heritage series. There are a few examples listed below but you can also try searching the catalog with your author + "critical heritage":
Shelley: the critical heritage by Call Number: JPL 3rd Floor PR5438 .S48
George Eliot by Call Number: JPL 3rd Floor PR4688 .C3 1971b
Tolstoy by Call Number: JPL 3rd Floor PG3410 .T63
Top Sources
When looking for literary criticism, these databases are a good place to start:
- MLA International Bibliography (EBSCO) This link opens in a new windowAn index (with some full-text) of critical scholarship in literature, linguistics and folklore.
- Literature Criticism Online (Gale) This link opens in a new windowA combination of historical and contemporary criticism.
- Literature Online (LION) (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowA collection of background information, criticism, and multimedia. Also contains the Annual Bibliography of English Language and Literature (ABELL).
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowA wide collection of university press journals including contemporary and historical journals.
More Databases
Here are a few more options for finding literary criticism:
- American Periodicals Series Online, 1741-1940 (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowCovers 700 periodicals published in America between 1741 and 1805.
- ProQuest This link opens in a new windowAn interdisciplinary database containing magazines and journals.
Print Materials
A lot of criticism can be found in books. Here are a few hints for your search:
- Use the Find Books and More link on the library homepage
- Enter your author's name (last name, first name) and use the Subject search option
- Look for an entry like the following: Castillo, Ana - criticism and interpretation
MLA International Bibliography
MLA International Bibliography is a powerful tool but it can be tricky to use. Check out this series of focused videos on how to become a power user and make your searches much more effective!