(the writing or the study of) books etc valued as works of art (i.e. novels, drama, essays, poetry, biography etc but not textbooks and journalism)
written matter, both fictional and nonfictional
Cases of word usage
1) in, of, the best (especially ancient Greek and Roman) art and literature (classical)
2) the art of making judgments about art, literature etc (criticism)
3) the fall to a lower standard (in morals, art, literature etc) (decadence)
4) of literature or authors (literary)
5) the accurate representation of nature in literature and art (naturalism)
6) (the period of) revival of art and literature in Europe in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries (renaissance)
