From Library Journal
This is the first encyclopedia devoted entirely to the essay in all its many forms, from Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" and Pope's "Essay on Man" in verse to more conventional essays by figures such as Montaigne and Thoreau. International in scope, the work focuses on the last few centuries, since that is when the essay emerged as a literary form. There are entries for genres such as "travel essays," for various national traditions, important periodicals, "especially significant single essays," and individual essayists. The entries are well written and insightful, and include extensive bibliographies; the entries for individuals also include succinct biographical sketches. Most of the contributors are academics with impressive credentials. The volume's general editor, Chevalier, earlier edited the excellent Contemporary Poets (St. James, 1991. 5th ed.) and Twentieth Century Children's Writers (St. James, 1989. 3rd ed.). This is an excellent scholarly book that belongs in any library that supports belles-lettres.?Peter A. Dollard, Alma Coll. Lib., Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Scholars and students will find this resource a most useful and welcome addition to academic library collections. -- Booklist/RBB
This is the first encyclopedia devoted entirely to the essay in all its many forms...This is an excellent scholarly book that belongs in any library that supports belles-lettres. -- Library Journal
Indispensable; highly recommended for general and academic readers, all levels. -- Choice
A substantive reference, this work is highly recommended for all collections with a serious interest in literature. -- American Reference Books Annual
All collegiate and research collections, or indeed any institution interested in developing a quality reference collection on literature, should acquire and publicize this volume. -- Reference & User Services Quarterly
Must be regarded as the last work on essayists and their works... an impressive volume of which the editor, the contributors and the publishers may be justly proud. -- Reference Reviews
This is the first encyclopedia devoted entirely to the essay in all its many forms...This is an excellent scholarly book that belongs in any library that supports belles-lettres. -- Library Journal
Indispensable; highly recommended for general and academic readers, all levels. -- Choice
A substantive reference, this work is highly recommended for all collections with a serious interest in literature. -- American Reference Books Annual
All collegiate and research collections, or indeed any institution interested in developing a quality reference collection on literature, should acquire and publicize this volume. -- Reference & User Services Quarterly
Must be regarded as the last work on essayists and their works... an impressive volume of which the editor, the contributors and the publishers may be justly proud. -- Reference Reviews
