Review by Choice Review
The second edition of Champion's Shakespeare: An Annotated Bibliography of Major Modern Studies (CH, Feb'87) contains 650 new entries "representing coverage from 1984 through 1991." There are now 1,807 items (the first edition had 1,511); more than 350 entries have been deleted and annotations shortened. Organization remains the same: General Studies, Poems and Sonnets, English History Plays, Comedies, Tragedies, Romances, and Index, with each section subdivided. The aim is to reflect the eclecticism of new critical methodologies that have appeared since 1983. Champion "annotates the most significant" Shakespearean scholarship, 1900-91--no mean acheivement, with no competitor on the horizon. English-language materials predominate, and the number of entries for each work varies, reflecting the level of scholarly activity (e.g., Hamlet has 104 entries, Two Gentlemen of Verona 17; of the latter, one is a reference work, two are editions both new to this edition, and 13 are critical studies, two new to this edition). Some inclusions are surprising, and exclusions are inevitable--Which Shakespeare? A User's Guide to Editions by Ann Thompson et al. (1992) probably appeared too late for inclusion. The index lists authors and the titles of plays, the latter subdivided. Well-printed and bound; indispensable for all libraries. W. Baker; Northern Illinois University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
This bibliography will be enthusiastically received by any librarian or instructor who directs students in selecting appropriate commentary on Shakespeare. It aims ``to provide a convenient and annotated checklist of the most important criticism on Shakespeare in the twentieth century,'' and in so doing gives much-needed guidance through the forest of available studies. Champion is professor of English at North Carolina State University and has published many books on Shakespeare and Renaissance drama, including an outstanding bibliography, King Lear (Garland, 1981) He has drawn on his extensive knowledge in selecting approximately 1,500 references for this new bibliography from among the thousands that have been published. The entries have been selected to represent the most significant items of Shakespeare scholarship published during the period 1900-1984. Collections of essays and study guides from various publishers' series are not included because of space limitations and because many essays are reprints. Nor does the compiler attempt to trace the major developments in Shakespeare criticism, but in his preface he provides entry numbers for studies that do so. A strong structure is needed to organize such a wealth of material if the bibliography is to be clear and usable. This has been achieved by providing first a logical arrangement for the entire Shakespeare canon: ``General Studies,'' ``Poems and Sonnets,'' ``English-History Plays,'' ``Comedies,'' ``Tragedies,'' ``Romances,'' and then arranging the plays and poems alphabetically within these sections. For each work, the selected commentary is then cited according to specific categories as appropriate, namely: general studies, reference works, editions, textual studies, criticism, and stage history. The initial major section, ``General Studies,'' is necessarily broad in scope, including 334 entries that cover the basic categories and, in addition, biographies, the history of criticism, sources, background studies, language and style, film, and thematic and topical studies. The number of entries in each section is in proportion to the critical importance of the works covered, the tragedies having the largest number of entries (482 or 32 percent). Selection of appropriate readings is further aided by clearly written annotations, which often include linking references to other pertinent studies. The bibliography is supported by a detailed index that includes both authors and subjects. Each entry in the bibliography is numbered for convenient access via the index; under each play, entries that refer specifically to the play are underscored, and subject content (e.g., Problematic Nature, Editions, Theme) may be indicated. The volume is of the same quality as others published by G. K. Hall well bound with clear type on durable acid-free paper. Its physical sturdiness might well come to be appreciated, for this welcome guide is likely to get very heavy use among all students of Shakespeare.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This excellent annotated bibliography should be purchased by any library serving students doing serious papers on Shakespeare. It covers 1511 of the ``most significant'' English-language books, chapters, and journal articles on Shakespeare that were published from 1900 through 1984. Even better, Champion, a prolific and reputable scholar, has successfully limited his list to works that are ``reasonably accessible'' in most libraries. There is a ``major section on general studies,'' but otherwise the primary arrangement is by individual works, making it easy for students to browse for research materials. Champion also provides plenty of guidance for users who wish to find materials in addition to those listed. Very highly recommended. Peter Dollard, Alma Coll. Lib., Mich. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Library Journal Review
