The encyclopedia sought to provide a "comprehensive discussion of literary practices within the United States from colonial times to the present" and consisted of 4 volumes and 350 essays drawn from 190 authors.

The review opined that it failed to "catalyze research" and engages in "opinion mongering and a curious myopia about experimental writing.

They felt the author biographies presented were done better elsewhere but praised the essays on themes in literature as setting the encyclopedia "apart".

The reviewer concluded that the volumes were not "essential" to studying literature but still made an "excellent addition to the reference shelves".

In comparison to other similar encyclopedias, it determined that it was "intrinsically better but lacks the same breadth" and concluded "The Oxford set is praiseworthy and recommended for most high-school, public, and academic libraries, though it needs to be used in conjunction with other, more comprehensive resources.