This is a shortened version of the three volume Walford's Guide to Reference Material, 5th edition: Volume 1, Science and Technology (1989), Volume 2, Social and historical sciences, philosophy and religion (1990), and Volume 3, Generalia, language and literature, the arts (1991). There are more than 3,000 entries, forming an updated compilation of what are considered to be the basic items in the main volumes, plus some more recent material up to April 1992.

Includes entries for maps and atlases.

How to Find Out About Literature aims to provide a general survey of literatures and a general indication of the dates of these literatures. The book first elaborates on how to study and appreciate literature and how to trace literary works, including exercises and universal and national bibliographies. The text then examines how to trace poetry, drama, novels, and prose, foreign and subject bibliographies, library and sale catalogues, and guides to libraries, and literary information on general reference books and encyclopedias. The manuscript discusses how to trace literary information in handbooks and concordances to poetry and drama, handbooks and reference books on novelists and prose writers, dictionaries and guides to the English language and specialized subjects, essays, theses, and periodical articles. The text ponders on how to trace periodical articles and literary abstracts. The book is a valuable reference for students and researchers in their studies.