A literature review is a detailed summary of current information on a specific subject. Analytical in nature, it takes a critical look at academic literature that is focused on a subject of interest to the writer. Most times, the literature review will include differing points of view on the subject. This information can either be used to describe the movement or devleopment of the subject of interest; or the information can be re-interpreted by the writer in order to give his or her point of view on the subject.
Here are some helpful sources on writing a literature review.