[...] The book takes the form of a dictionary. However, it is not a dictionary, as in such scientific fields the exhaustive listing of terminology is impossible. It could be characterized as an attempt to compile terms. And indeed, what this book mainly offers is the codified recording of information and theoretical concerns, gathered from the extensive and unorganized contemporary bibliography, in response to relevant stimuli. Stimuli from personal reading experience, from teaching adventures, and finally from the author's interaction - in his capacity as a school counselor for philologists - with literature teachers. It is therefore clear that one cannot seek completeness in this particular endeavor, but one can - we believe - find validity and usefulness. [...] (from the author's preface)