Similar to American and British Writers, but covers European writers from the medieval period to 1990. These give new and updated entries on writers. Each entry includes a brief overview of the author's career and critical reception and a thematic summary of their major works. A bibliography of critical sources is included as well. The series is continued in a 2 volume 1991 update.
Most pages contain biographical info, some have interviews with the author.
Little or no in-depth criticism. First three volumes contain biographies and resource lists for popular fictin writers worldwide. Next eight volumes contain analysis of specific works by these writers. Listings are divided by literary period. Many useful and interesting links.