A Companion to Literary Forms is a useful ready reckoner for both students and teachers of English literature. The study of literary genres and forms plays a key role in sensitising the student of literature to the nuances of a work of art. No course in literature can be complete without adequate knowledge of literary forms.

The book defines each literary form in simple and clear language, explains its features and sub-types, and provides numerous examples. In addition to examining all the major forms of poetry, drama and prose, this essential handbook also surveys literary criticism down the ages, from the ancient Greeks to the present day.

Padmaja Ashok has been teaching literature at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels for nearly thirty years. She recently retired as Associate Professor of English at Ethiraj College for Women (Chennai). She has co-edited an anthology of prose, poetry and grammar, and has researched in the area of Canadian literature. She is the author of the successful title The Social History of England, also published by Orient Blackswan.