From School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up--This collection of 16 abridged essays on Fitzgerald's life and works gives readers accessible information by critics as well as by lesser-known authors. However, though the pieces selected are uniformly strong (the writing is a bit challenging, but never oblique or unnecessarily dry), the absence of work by Hugh Kenner or Leslie Fiedler is sorely felt. The volume begins with a biographical sketch of the subject, including a few pictures. The selections are "edited in consideration of both the reading and comprehension levels" of young adults and each one is introduced by a brief summary of its major points. Compared with "Twentieth Century Views" (Macmillan) and "Modern Critical Interpretations" (Chelsea House), this format may seem a bit predigested, but it's easily the equal of the "Bloom's Notes" series (Chelsea House). Also, there is a definite need for serious critical materials suitable for less-skilled readers. This title fills that need.
Herman Sutter, Saint Pius X High School, Houston, TX
Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
