Excerpts from criticism of the works of short fiction writers. Each sketch is submitted to the author concerned for his approval, if he is still living. On-line volumes 1 to 157 . Arranges by genre and nationality. Revision of sketches from previous set that needed revision, to account for later works, etc - for example, Sinclair Lewis is credited with 10 awards he did not have in the old serial, and Stephen King wrote 6 books.
Cumulative indexes are separate volumes.
On-line volumes 1 to 60. Provides photos of most of the subjects. Some entries are available only on electronic format. A biographical dictionary of persons who contributed to North American Literature. Brief notes on secondary figures to comprehensive treatment of major figures.