Overview
This title is a unique combination of biography and critical analysis, covering major writers from outside the United States and their significant works in fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction. This comprehensive, six-volume set offers profiles of major authors of fiction, drama, poetry, and essays, each with sections on biography, general analysis, and analysis of the author's most important works - novels, short stories, poems, and works of nonfiction. The completely revamped edition, covering 380 writers at the heart of literary studies. Scope and coverage: For this edition, 87 new authors have been added to the 293 already profiled. These new writers span both the globe, representing 45 different countries, and time, from the 6th century B.C.E. to the 21st century. This new edition features more women writers and authors of children's and young adult literature. The literary scope of this reference work is remarkable. All the original essays were reevaluated for their currency, and were given substantial revision, in many cases by the original contributor. The 'Biography,' 'Analysis,' and 'Summary' sections were updated to include recent developments: new titles or awards, changes in residence or employment, and alterations in critical and popular reception. For these essays, one or more sections on specific works (novels, poems, short stories) were added. For all essays, the bibliographies - lists of the author's works and sources for further consultation - were revised to provide readers with the latest information. A new feature for this edition is a sidebar in each essay called 'Discussion Topics'. These provocative questions will prompt classroom debates on the writer's body of work, specific works, or life as it relates to his or her literature. Aimed at students, teachers, and members of reading groups, they can be used as paper topics or conversation points.
