Review by Booklist Review
First published in 1948, this book has been a standard literary reference work for nearly 50 years. "The entries explore all aspects of literature from around the world: biographies of poets and playwrights, novelists and belletrists; plot synopses and character sketches from important works; historical data on literary schools, movements, terms and awards; myths and legends; and more." This edition contains hundreds of new entries and has broadened its scope for today's reader, with greater attention to African American, Eastern, Middle Eastern, African, South American, Eastern European, and women's literature. New entries since the last edition (1987) include The Satanic Verses and Kingsolver, Barbara. Existing material has been brought up to date, incorporating new scholarship and interpretations. Updating of individual entries appears to be current through the end of 1995. Editor Murphy is a poet who reminds us that Benet compiled a very entertaining reference work, meant to be "read, browsed through, and savored." No library patron should be denied this pleasure. For high-school, academic, and public libraries.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
