Are Reference Books Considered Literature?

By definition, printed material is considered literature, which—at first glance—suggests that reference books could be classified as such. However, this classification is somewhat narrow and inflexible.

Traditional vs. Modern Definitions of Literature

A broader and more useful definition of literature involves creative works that are designed to be read for pleasure or artistic enjoyment. Thus, while reference books are technically literature, they are not commonly considered within the traditional framework of literature.

Stringent Definitions of Literature

The term 'literature' is often misapplied to almost anything written down, such as advertising brochures, which can be misleading and informal. For the purpose of academic and literary discussions, literature is best defined as written works that possess superior or lasting artistic merit, including poems, short stories, biographies, memoirs, and essays.

Characteristics of Reference Books

Reference books, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and textbooks, are generally not considered literature in the traditional sense. They are designed primarily to provide information and act as resources for readers seeking specific information on a topic. While these books can contain well-written and informative text, they do not serve the primary function of engaging the reader for artistic enjoyment.

Examples of Non-Literary Works

Works where the end product is not primarily text, such as scripts, song lyrics, and video games, are typically not regarded as literature. The focus on non-literary forms can be seen in the academic world where these formats are studied but not typically classified as literary works.

Conclusion

While reference books are technically literature by basic definitions, they are not commonly considered as such within the literary community. Literature is better defined by its purpose of engaging the reader for artistic enjoyment or to convey deeper meaning, which reference books do not do in their primary function. Understanding these distinctions can help in more precise and effective communication about written works.