Since Sir Paul Harvey's original Oxford Companion to English Literature was published in 1932 it has established itself as the standard source of reference for general readers, as well as an indispensable guide for students and specialists, on all aspects of English literary culture. In 1985, under the editorship of Margaret Drabble, with a team of distinguished contributors, the text was completely revised while retaining the essential characteristic of Sir Paul Harvey's much-loved volume.

Since then, the Companion has continued to respond to the needs of contemporary readers. Now, in this new revision, nearly sixty completely new entries have been added on contemporary novelists, poets, and dramatists. Comprehensive, authoritative, and up to date, this new edition of The Oxford Companion to English Literature reasserts its position as the most complete reference guide to English literary culture currently available.