Reference books and texts that are the most useful to a new student - particularly one studying English Literature?

There are so many course books to buy, there are so many reference options on the shelves. What texts will be truly useful and build a reference library to last a lifetime not just the college/university years? A short guide for parents and students.

The definition of an abstraction.

What is the definition of an abstraction and how do I write one?

An understanding to Barrett Browning's poem 'flush or faunus' is achieved.

What is Elizabeth Barrett Brownings' poem, 'flush or faunus' emphasizing?

Help writing a speech is modeled.

Ideas for a persuasive speech on donating bone marrrow are noted.

Autobiographical Text

I would just like a few tips on how to write an autobiographical text in the form of Gloria Anzaldua's Borderlands esssay

Learning how to write an expository essay.

How do I write an expository essay about how the stereotypes on homeless people aren't always true?

A comparison between the characters of Julius Caesar and Lord of the Flies is modeled.

These tasks are achieved: Compare the qualities of Ralph of Lord of the Flies to Mark Antony, Lepidus, and Octavius Caesar of "Julius Caesar" Compare the qualities of Jack of lord of the flies to Brutus and the conspirators of Julius caesar.

Learning and understanding how to write different types of sentences.

How do you write complex and compound sentences? Explain dependent, independent, subordinate, conjunctions etc.

How to Write a Thesis

I can't figure out how to write my thesis on pearl harbor.

Overview of Stephen King's book: The Dead Zone

What are the themes, the main character and the plot of Stephen King's, The Dead Zone?