Abstract: The theory and practice of local literature in the modern sense started in the Enlightenment of France in the middle of 18th century,and they were born in Romanticism of world literature.Six essential elements were formed during the development of world local literature,i.e.local,clodhopper (literature image),local transition,local rationality,local narration,and chuff.In these six elements,each contained two basic types,i.e.nature and society;countryside “pipsqueak” and countryside “big pot”;economy and concept;cognitive rationality and rationality of normal form;application of dialects and idioms and innovation of style;personal factor and epoch factor.The six essential elements and twelve types cover the regional,image,epoch,ideology,art,and creation subject features of world local literature,and they are the rulers to judge the basic scope of local literature.Their quality and connection with national culture and spiritual pursuit are also important rulers to judge the achievement of local literature.

Key words: local literature, essential elements, types