In the broadest sense, literature stands for any written work. The term derives from Latin literatura or litteratura, which stands for writing formed with letters. It is commonly divided into fiction and non-fiction, as well as poetry and prose. But the term is usually restricted to writing of some merit rather than ordinary writing. Literary critics of all descriptions judge the merit of any written work. And so on, and so forth. Now, none of the above would be generally recognized as literature. What follows might well pass the mark, though. To begin with, the term is rather annoying all by itself. It is pretentious and pompous. What is worse, it smacks of unwarranted invention and dissimulation, if not also outright subterfuge. For literature is regularly pursued for personal gain and glory. In short, dear reader, beware of anyone interested in literature, including literary critics, but be especially wary of anyone dabbling in it for all to see. They are charlatans to be avoided one and all. Literature, schmitelature.