From Isabel Allende to Emile Zola and from Shakespeare to Sartre, literary works have often engaged political issues, and many political writings give close attention to literary concerns. The first work of its kind, this 3-volume encyclopedia explores the complex relationship between literature and politics. International in scope, it covers its field from the ancient Greeks to the present. At the same time, the encyclopedia gives special attention to the conflicts and controversies of the modern world and to works written in English. The encyclopedia contains more than 500 alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 200 expert contributors. These entries cover authors, critics, theorists, and historical figures; major literary works; national literatures and important literary movements; broad critical categories; and specific themes, concepts, and genres. High school students and teachers will need this work to examine literature in its political contexts and to use literature to explore such pressing social issues as censorship and propaganda. Public libraries will want this work to support student research and to help general readers learn more about enduring political concerns through literary works. Academic libraries will find this reference a valuable guide for undergraduates studying literature, history, political science, law, and other disciplines.