Who was Jezebel? What was the Wooden Horse? When was the Enlightenment? Who were the Luddites? And what is blank verse? The Literature Student's Survival Kit gives students about to embark on a literature degree all the background information they need to stay afloat. This one-stop reference book brings together the essential biblical, classical, historical, and academic information that students need to survive their literary studies. It includes:An overview of the Bible, its books, characters, episodes, and places. A guide to classical mythology. Timelines that situate literary figures in relation to historical events and key social, cultural, and linguistic changes. Information on individuals, events, movements, and concepts that had an impact on the literature of each period. Maps illustrating the biblical world, the classical world, the age of exploration, and particular demographic and social changes. Glossaries of literary and critical terms. A list of literary critics and what they are known for. Advice on how to write essays at university level. Written in a clear and accessible style, The Literature Student's Survival Kit enables students to approach their studies with self-assurance.