This annual publication contains reviews of the 200 most notable books published in the previous year. Works reviewed include both fiction and non-fiction, English-language and non-English-language. In addition to the review essay, each title includes a short annotation and additional review sources.

All issues of Magill's Literary Annual back to 1977 are searchable on the Salem Press platform. Start with a search for a title or author, then select Magill's under Refine Your Search to limit results.