This book provides students of literature with a resource that gives them guidance to the philosophical influences on literary criticism and literary figures. Its goal is to lead students to a greater understanding of concepts with which they may have some familiarity. The writers chosen are those whose works most commonly appear in literature anthologies. The text describes major philosophical influences reflected in their writings as well as references to philosophical works that are known to have played a part in their intellectual and aesthetic development. This volume is a source of philosophical influences in fiction, poetry and drama. The entries on 123 writers, arranged in alphabetical order, are supplemented by a section of brief bio-bibliographical profiles of more than 75 relevant philosophers and a glossary of philosophical terms, concepts and movements. Following each author study is a selected bibliography of suggested sources for further reading. The book ends with a list of general sources on literary theory and philosophy, stressing their interrelationships. A cross-referencing system is provided for the convenience of readers. Symbols within the entries guide the reader to entries in the philosopher section, the glossary, and to other author entries.