The Cambridge Histories series is a reference collection with over 300 titles spanning 15 subject areas, including literary studies. Each (often multi-volume) history provides a big-picture perspective of its subject, introduces readers to existing scholarship, and proposes new trends in the field. 

A sampling of potentially relevant books is listed below.

Subject encyclopedias, handbooks and overviews are scholarly, tertiary works written by experts on a variety of topics. The background information provides a good starting point as you begin the research process. These resources can help you with:

• Understanding the scope of a topic
• Suggesting ideas for narrowing a topic
• Identifying key concepts, terms, dates and names
• Listing subject areas related to a topic
• Recommending sources for further exploration

In Collins Library, the print reference collection is located on the first floor, and most of the online reference collection is available in one of the databases listed below. Use Collins Library Primo Search to identify subject encyclopedias in either format; or ask a librarian for recommendations.

How might the following subject encyclopedia articles be useful for helping you explore significant authors, texts, and topics related to Francophone literature?

Use the following sources to identify 2 Francophone authors you might explore for this assignment.