Larousse dictionary of literary characters /

This dictionary covers a wide span of literature, including fiction, poetry, and drama written in English. In addition to extensive coverage of major works, genre fiction and selected works of minor authors are selectively represented. A total of 6,500 literary characters are described, and emphasis is placed on major writers whose works clearly feature strong and memorable characters. The wide scope, however, is sometimes marred by uneven coverage for individual works and minor authors. Character descriptions are a few sentences each and often include phrases from the works, generally providing a clear, vivid representation. The volume is arranged alphabetically by character and indexed by author, with works and characters listed under the author's name. Recommended for undergraduate reference collections. M. M. Vass; University of Kentucky

Larousse now offers two excellent dictionaries covering different aspects of world literature. The Dictionary of Literary Characters defines over 6500 characters inhabiting English-language novels, plays, and poems ranging from the standard canon to modern authors such as Marge Piercy, Douglas Adams, and Stephen King. A beneficial feature is the inclusion of non-Europeans who produced major English-language works, such Ayi Kwei Armah. The entries, written by scholars, note the character's importance, list the books where the character appears, and include cross references between related entries as well as an author/title index. Also of interest is editor Goring's introductory essay on the elements that create memorable characters. This volume nicely complements The Cyclopedia of Literary Characters (LJ 12/90) and fills the need for a modern, single-volume dictionary in this area. The Dictionary of Writers is a welcome companion volume. Broader in coverage, it lists and defines over 6500 writers throughout human history from all nationalities. Librarians and patrons will find it especially useful for modern international feminist and gay and lesbian authors. As with the above volume, the well-written entries are by scholars and critics and contain both cross references to related material and bibliographies of the subject's major works and critical studies by other writers. This dictionary is a nice complement to The Dictionary of Literary Biography (Gale, 1977+), Contemporary Authors (Gale, 1962+), Contemporary World Writers (St. James Pr., 1993. 2d ed.), and the "World Author's" series (H.W. Wilson, 1975+). Highly recommended for all libraries.-Stephen L. Hupp, Capital Univ. Lib., Columbus, Ohio (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.