The Brontes A to Z: The Essential Reference to Their Lives and Works (Literary A to Z) [Paperback]

Lisa Olson Paddock (Author), Carl Rollyson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In more than 500 entries, this offering from the acclaimed and popular Literary A to Z series covers every aspect of the lives of the Brontes. In their introduction, the authors note that interest in the Brontes continues to grow, thanks to "intense scholarly study and--in some cases--nearly cultlike devotion."

Alphabetically arranged, the volume includes synopses of the Brontes' writings, their publishing history, and critical reception; entries for all characters, both major and minor; historical events and people who influenced the lives and writings; real and fictional settings; and family members, friends, publishers, and even pets. There are also entries for notable Bronte biographers and scholars. The entries vary in length from 17 pages of plot summary and analysis (with photographs from film versions) for Wuthering Heights, to a few lines for Naomi Brocklehurst, founder of the infamous Lowood School in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Other features include a map of Bronte country; a detailed chronology; a categorical appendix that lists entries under headings such as "Bronte Authorities" and "Publishers, Publications, and Organizations"; and a bibliography.

This volume is a good introduction to readers unfamiliar with the Brontes as well as a worthwhile resource for scholars and fans. It would be a valuable addition to high-school, public, and academic libraries.RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816043035
• ISBN-13: 978-0816043033
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,193,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 'There were five literary Brontes.', April 24, 2007

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Brontes A to Z: The Essential Reference to Their Lives and Works (Literary A to Z) (Paperback)

This book is subtitled 'The essential reference to their lives and work'. I'm not sure that I agree with the word 'essential' but it is certainly a very useful source of Bronte-related facts, links and events.

I believe that this book would be a useful addition to any library as it contains the biographical facts related to the Brontes, synopses of each of the published novels and a good bibliography for those who want to do further in-depth research.

The book also contains a handy chronology and the A to Z contains details of each of the Brontes and names of those significant in their lives as well as names of characters in the books.

Recommended for those who want to know more about the Brontes but who are not (yet) ready to jump into some of the more scholarly works available.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith