 | The Columbia Dictionary of Modern Literary and Cultural Criticism
Buy new: $27.68 / Used from: $3.74 I bought this as an undergrad, but I still find it useful in grad school. Not comprehensive, but the biggies are covered. Definitions are clear and cross referenced for further research.
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 | Origins;: A short etymological dictionary of modern English by Eric Partridge
Buy used from: $23.98 An older book, but extensive and easy to use. Includes prefixes and suffixes. An excellent resource for almost any word, except newer tech words etc. I don't know how I lived w/o it.
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 | The Oxford Guide to World English by Tom McArthur
Buy used from: $43.00 I read this straight through for pleasure, but also functions as a reference book for various types of English in use worldwide. Makes the concept of "English Only" seem a bit ridiculous.
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 | The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course, Second Edition by Marianne Celce-Murcia
Buy new: $68.38 / Used from: $50.00 Best used as a reference book, not a textbook. But indexically, it's all in here and then some. Has a strong teaching slant.
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 | The Oxford Dictionary of American Usage and Style by Bryan A. Garner
Buy new: $17.12 / Used from: $7.85 Definitions offer contextual examples. Covers the most common questions/errors in usage. A great resource for when you are not sure which word to use.
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 | The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language by Rodney D. Huddleston
Buy new: $162.23 / Used from: $149.00 The most comprehensive grammar reference book I have ever used. Indispensible. Overwhelming in its thoroughness, but has a user-friendly index.
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 | The World's Writing Systems
Buy new: $158.82 / Used from: $75.00 I've been reading this for pleasure, not as a reference book, but it could be that as well. Realistic and artistic representations of writing systems. An aesthetically beautiful book.
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