Dictionary of Midwestern Literature: Dimensions of the Midwestern Literary Imagination (2) - Couverture rigide

"Praise for Volume 1:

The first volume of the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature's ambitious set is to be followed by a second, which will be concerned with nonauthor entries (sites, centers, movements, themes, genres) and a third, a literary history of the Midwest. Volume one concentrates on the lives and writings of nearly 400 Midwestern writers defined very broadly (e.g., Frank Lloyd Wright for his autobiography and architectural writings and Hugh Nissenson, who never lived in the Midwest but was influenced by Mark Twain in writing The Tree of Life, which received the 1986 Ohioana Book Award for fiction). The introduction defines the Midwest, states the criteria for inclusion, and gives an overview of literary development in the Midwest and a chapter on the origins and development of Midwestern literature. Entries in the dictionary follow a standard format: the author's dates, a biography, an estimate of the author's significance, and bibliographies of selected works and criticism. Entry length depends on the significance of the author (Saul Bellow, five pages, Andrew Blackbird, one and a half, Rita Dove, two), but all are generous. Many entries include portraits. The appendix lists recipients of the Society's MidAmerica Award and gives the rationale for each choice. A roster of the 117 contributors includes their qualifications and experience. The book ends with a 95-page index of names and literary works. This book will find use in every library, by users ranging from general readers to researchers." --R. P. Sasscer, Catholic University of America, Choice"

"This book will find use in every library, by users ranging from general readers to researchers." --Choice, reviewing a previous edition or volume"