This compilation of biographical, bibliographic, and critical information is a subset of Gale's long-running series, Something about the Author (or SATA; 142 volumes covering more than 10,000 authors, 1971-present). The current work includes almost 1,100 articles, representing an international array of poets, novelists, biographers, storytellers, and playwrights from antiquity (Aesop) to modern day (Francesca Lia Block). Each multipage entry provides name and pseudonyms, personal data, contact information, professional memberships, awards and honors, a complete list of writings including interpretive pieces, a list of adaptations, works in progress, "Sidelights," and print biographical and critical sources. The "Sidelights," the only narrative portions of the entries, offer readable and engaging essays on each artist's development, motivation, critical reception, and personal thoughts and revelations. As with SATA, the information on living individuals was compiled through personal surveys and telephone interviews. When individuals were not available for direct consultations, numerous resources were consulted.
This second edition includes 950 completely revised and updated entries plus 150 new articles. The editors indicate that other enhancements include a nationality and a genre index. Though well intentioned, these guides are not that helpful. For example, almost 750 individuals (out of 1,100) are identified as "American," including those whose works reflect other cultures, such as Naomi Shihab Nye and Jamake Highwater. Conversely, Eve Bunting is identified as "Irish," and Isaac Asimov as "Russian," despite little apparent cultural emphasis in their works. One suggestion would be to designate "Heritage" or "Cultural Background" as alternate identifiers. Some of the genre designations are too broad to be of much use; more than 500 names are listed under "Novels" and about 350 under "Illustrations." Other more limited categories ("Animal Tales," "Horror Fiction," "Music," etc.) better lend themselves to practical applications for teachers and researchers. Another consideration for future editions would be the inclusion of a time line.
However, these are minor concerns, as are a few discrepancies in coverage (Robert Louis Stevenson is included, but curriculum staple Edgar Allen Poe is not; Ben Bova and Robert Heinlein are profiled but not Ray Bradbury, another standard presence in most American literature textbooks). Overall, this resource provides a tremendous amount of reliable and accessible information. Recommended for all public and secondary school collections that do not subscribe to SATA. RBB
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--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
