Frey (emeritus, George Washington Univ.) compiled this broad-based guide to one of France's most important and political literary figures expressly for English-speakers; he does not intend for it to compete with but rather to "complement" its well-established French antecedents. A fairly comprehensive view of Hugo's time and work, the encyclopedia is well organized and broad ranging. Entries, organized alphabetically, include analyses of most of Hugo's poems, novels, and plays. (The titles of individual works and pieces have been translated into English.) Entries are not limited to works and characters but include personalities and places that influenced the poet (e.g., Napoleon, John Brown, Latin America). A successful, comprehensive depiction of the life, work, and influences of the man who wrote the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Mis?rables, this is a useful encyclopedia for reference and a meaningful addition to literary collections.
-Ali Houissa, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
For Frey, this work was clearly a labor of love. Recommended for French literature collections, and for undergraduates through faculty.
The encyclopedia is well organized and broad ranging....A successful, comprehensive depiction of the life, work, and influences of the man who wrote the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables, this is a useful encyclopedia for reference and a meaningful addition to literary collections.
A successful, comprehensive depiction of the life, work, and influences of the man who wrote the Hunchback of Norte Dame and Les Miserables, this is a useful encyclopedia for reference and a meaningful addition to literary collections.
A Victor Hugo Encyclopedia fills an important gap for public and academic libraries because nothing similar exists in English.
An excellent, in-depth examination for serious Hugo scholars.
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