Encyclopedia of American Popular Fiction (Literary Movements) - Hardcover

Hamilton, Geoff; Jones, Professor Of Environmental Liability Brian

9780816071579: Encyclopedia of American Popular Fiction (Literary Movements)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816071578 ISBN 13: 9780816071579

Publisher: Facts on File, 2009

Vivid characters and first-rate storytelling are the hallmarks of good popular fiction. Encyclopedia of American Popular Fiction is a new A-to-Z resource that covers those contemporary authors and works that have enjoyed commercial success in the United States but are typically neglected by more "literary" guides. Written by literary scholars, this invaluable resource provides high school and college students with everything they need to know to understand the authors and works of American popular fiction.Coverage includes:

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About the Author:

Brian Jones is Professor of Sociology at Villanova University. He has written extensively on issues in public policy and social networks, and his previous books include "Social Problems: Issues, Opinions, and Solutions" (McGraw-Hill, 1988) and "Sociology: Micro, Macro, and Megastructures" (Harcourt Brace: 1995).

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up—Rather than addressing oft-analyzed authors and works deemed "literary," this title surveys bestselling authors published primarily over the past 30 years, from Paulo Coehlo to Ann Brashares. Alphabetically arranged entries address both the writers and their representative works. Entries dedicated to authors include a brief biographical sketch, which contextualizes their works. Entries on specific titles typically consist of plot summaries followed by brief analysis and often information about movie tie-ins. Cross-references indicated by small capital letters make navigation a breeze. While conceptually this volume is spot on, in actuality it may prove a tough sell. As the subjects included are contemporary by nature and entries brief, an online search or a visit to the author's Web site often renders much of the same, if not more up-to-date, information. The writing, though clear, sometimes veers into scholarly language and will prove difficult for more reluctant researchers. Conversely, those student researchers eager for critical analysis of bestselling authors will be better served by subscription databases such as Gale's Literature Resource Center. Still, for those libraries without the budget for more in-depth reference sets or databases, this single volume could be worthwhile.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT END

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