The Encyclopedia of the Novel is the first reference book that focuses on the development of the novel throughout the world. Entries on individual writers assess the place of that writer within the development of the novel form, explaining why and in exactly what ways that writer is importnant. Similarly, an entry on an individual novel discusses the importance of that novel not only form, analyzing the particular innovations that novel has introduced and the ways in which it has influenced the subsequent course of the genre. A wide range of topic entries explore the history, criticism, theory, production, dissemination and reception of the novel. A very important component of the Encyclopedia of the Novel is its long surveys of development of the novel in various regions of the world.

Vols. for 1969- include ACTFL annual bibliography of books and articles on pedagogy in foreign languages 1969-

Vols. for 1973- include the following subject areas: Biological sciences, Agriculture, Chemistry, Environmental sciences, Health sciences, Engineering, Mathematics and statistics, Earth sciences, Physics, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Law & political science, Business & economics, Geography & regional planning, Language & literature, Fine arts, Library & information science, Mass communications, Music, Philosophy and Religion.