JAMB 2026 Recommended Textbooks for Literature in English 2026/2027 (PDF List + Study Guide)

JAMB 2026 Recommended Textbooks for Literature in English 2026/2027: Literature in English is a core subject in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME for candidates pursuing arts, law, mass communication, and education-related programs. It assesses your understanding of drama, prose, poetry, and literary principles.

To succeed, you must study the JAMB syllabus, prescribed texts, and recommended textbooks. This article includes all you need — from reading lists to downloadable syllabi and helpful tips.

READ ALSO:

• JAMB Areas of Concentration for Literature in English 2026/2027
• JAMB Syllabus for Literature in English 2026/2027 (PDF)
• Literature in English JAMB Questions and Answers 2026

📘 JAMB Literature in English Syllabus Overview

The syllabus covers four major areas:

• Drama
• Prose
• Poetry
• General literary terms and criticism

Each section includes African and Non-African texts. Candidates should be familiar with key themes, literary devices, and author backgrounds.

📚 JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Literature in English 2026/2027

Anthologies

• Gbemisola, A. (2005) – Naked Soles, Ibadan: Kraft
• Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) – The Penguin Book of English Verse, London: Penguin
• Johnson, R. et al (eds.) (1996) – New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc
• Kermode, F. et al (1964) – Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
• Nwoga D. (ed.) (1967) – West African Verse, London: Longman
• Senanu, K. E. & Vincent, T. (1993) – A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos: Longman
• Soyinka, W. (ed.) (1987) – Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann

Critical Texts

• Abrams, M. H. (1981) – A Glossary of Literary Terms, New York: Holt Rinehart
• Emeaba, O. E. (1982) – A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press
• Murphy, M. J. (1972) – Understanding Unseen, George Allen and Unwin Ltd.

📖 Prescribed Texts for Literature in English (2026/2027)

Drama

African: Frank Ogodo Ogbeche – Harvest of Corruption

Non-African: William Shakespeare – Othello

Prose

African: Amma Darko – Faceless

Non-African: Richard Wright – Native Son

Poetry

African:

• Birago Diop – Vanity
• Gbemisola Adeoti – Ambush
• Gabriel Okara – Piano and Drums
• Gbanabam Hallowell – The Dining Table
• Lenrie Peter – The Panic of Growing Older
• Kofi Awoonor – The Anvil and the Hammer

Non-African:

• Alfred Tennyson – Crossing the Bar
• George Herbert – The Pulley
• William Blake – The School Boy
• William Morris – The Proud King

🧠 How to Study Literature in English Effectively

• Start by downloading the official syllabus.
• Use 2–3 textbooks for a broad understanding.
• Analyze themes, characters, and literary devices.
• Practice past questions and write brief essays.
• Join group discussions and read summaries of complex texts.

❓ FAQs

How can I download the JAMB Literature in English syllabus?

You can download it from this official page.

Are these textbooks compulsory?

They are not compulsory but strongly recommended for proper exam preparation.

Where can I get the textbooks?

They are available in school libraries, online bookstores, or PDF versions online.

📌 Related Pages

• Literature in English Areas of Concentration
• Literature in English Syllabus PDF
• JAMB CBT Literature Questions & Answers