Western literature refers to the literature of the Indo-European languages, as well as several languages geographically or historically related to the Indo-European languages (Basque, Hungarian, and so forth). Western literature is considered one of the defining elements of Western civilization.

The best of Western literature is considered to be the Western Canon. The list of works in the Western Canon varies according to the critic's opinions on Western culture and the relative importance of its defining characteristics.

Western literature includes literature in many languages; among the most important are English literature, Spanish literature (both including American literature), French literature, German literature, Italian literature, Greek literature, Latin literature, Russian literature, Persian literature, Hindi literature, and Sanskrit literature. Please consult the separate entries for more specifics on literature in each language.