"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The recently released World Authors, 1995-2000 treats 336 poets, dramatists, essayists, novelists, biographers, and other writers "who have published significant work within the time period." Articles, ranging in length from 1,000 to 3,000 words, contain a short overview of the author's work, the biographical article, suggested reading, and selected works. Some also have rather grainy photographs. Many of the entrants supplied brief autobiographical pieces specifically for this book. There is diversity in both the ethnic and writing backgrounds of the authors represented. Among the writers who appear here are journalist Hilton Als, historian Michael Beschloss, historical novelists Bernard Cornwell and Dorothy Dunnett, children's author Lemony Snicket, and Gao Xingjian, the first Chinese writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature (2000). Some inclusions, such as Dave Eggers and Jhumpa Lahiri, are up-to-the-minute. Entries for fewer than 5 percent of the authors, among them Maya Angelou, John Irving, and Philip Roth, are revisions of material that appeared in previous volumes.
Work on World Authors is ongoing. Approximately 120 profiles are added to the database each year and appear in the online version (and also in the larger online Biography Reference Bank) before they appear in print. In electronic form, World Authors profiles are kept fresh by links to reviews, articles, obituaries, and other material that provides more current information.
Is World Authors still a necessary title? Kunitz and Haycraft was just about the only thing of its kind back when the first supplement appeared, but since then, and especially in the last few years, we have been swamped with reference sources that have a similar mission. These range from Gale's behemoth Contemporary Authors to more thinly sliced works on poets, or women, or African Americans, or lesbians, or all of the above. Still, the World Authors profiles are unique to it, and it remains a good choice for larger collections that need to offer multiple resources on authors as well as for smaller libraries that want broad coverage without investing space and dollars in either larger series or numerous specialized volumes. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 13.33
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: Good. Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. Seller Inventory # Z1-C-071-01771