Continuum Encyclopedia of American Literature: Steven R. Serafin, General Editor ; Alfred Bendixen, Associate Editor
by By Serafin, Steven R. (EDT) and Bendixen, Alfred (EDT)
Category: Reference , Encyclopedias

This guide and companion to American literature a decade in the making spans from colonial times to the present and comprises 1,100 biographical and critical entries by 300 contributors.  Entries range from less than half a page to seven or eight pages; each is signed and includes a bibliography.  In addition to profiles and appraisals of individual authors, 70 topical articles pertaining to genre, period, ethnicity, and discipline discuss such topics as African American literature, Canada, the detective story, folklore, humor, regionalism, utopia, and war, to name but a few. An admirable reference useful to a wide range of readers from high school students seeking context for an assigned book or a starting place for research, to a general audience needing a source of enlightenment and enrichment. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)