Also available on the college network. A concise encyclopedia for identifying important people and works. While the emphasis is on Spenser and his works, this volume also has useful essays on his contemporaries, social mores, and writing at large, such as the use of puns. Convenient plot summaries for 82 plays, with lists of their characters. Who's who in history, vol.
Similar volumes cover other periods.
The leading source for concise biographies of British historical figures of all eras. Essays on local government, religion, education and other aspects of Tudor life. Volumes 1 and 2 of this set provide short biographies, some critical discussion, and lists of works by and about British authors up to about 1700. St. James reference guide to English literature, vol. Short biographical sketches of major and minor writers, with lists of works and suggested critical studies.