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 Brownings poem 'flush or faunus'.

What is Elizabeth Barrett Brownings poem 'flush or faunus' all about?

Help writing a speech

I am working on a persuasive speech on donating bone marrrow. I have not gotten too far. I need some main ideas, etc. etc. I have to have a Strategic Planning outline as well.

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