Items related to Masterplots II: American Fiction Series, Vol. 5 Supplement
Synopsis
***Volume 5 (1 of 2) Only*** The four volumes of "Masterplots II, American Fiction Series" (1986) explored 383 works by some of the most important writers of the Americas — North, Central, and South. This two-volume supplement updates and extends the original series' coverage by examining 180 additional works of fiction by contemporary or hitherto neglected writers who have had, and in many cases continue to have, a substantial effect on the evolution of American literature. The increasing prominence of ethnic voices in American fiction is reflected by articles on works by such writers as Louise Erdrich, Ernest J. Gaines, and Rolando Hinojosa. Important development in women's literature are treated in discussions of works by such authors as Barbara Kingsolver, Terry McMillan, and Amy Tan. Discussion of works by such best-selling writers as Stephen King and Scott Turow reflects the state of American popular fiction. Essays on books by such past writers as D'Arcy McNickle and John Okada help to give a more complete picture of America's literary history.'s
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From Booklist
From Abe Lincoln Grows Up by Carl Sandburg to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig, this set in the Masterplots II series contains essays on 521 biographies, a mixture of adult books and biographies written especially for children. Like its counterpart, Juvenile and Young Adult Fiction, it is aimed at children ages 10 to 18. It presents biographies of such people as Barbara Jordan, Samuel Adams, and Beatrix Potter, as well as autobiographies and collective biographies. The intent of the series is to expose young adults to the lives of important historical and contemporary figures. The books selected reflect a change in biography for children from highly fictionalized accounts to an emphasis on those based on primary sources, such as letters and diaries.
The entries, arranged by title and about three pages in length, follow the same format. At the beginning of each is the author's name, birth and death dates, the type of biography (e.g., individual, collective, autobiographical), the time of the work, locale, the book's first publication date, subjects covered in the book, and recommended ages. Essays begin with a one-sentence summary of the biography, followed by a list of the principal persons presented in the work. Essays are in three sections: Form and Content, which provides an outline of the book's structure and content; Analysis, which presents the author's approach to the biography's subject, as well as what a young adult can gain from the book; and Critical Context, which evaluates the biography's style and content and the book's role in literature for youth.
An annotated bibliography at the end of volume 4 lists works about children's literature. Four indexes follow the bibliography: title, author, biographical (the people who are the subjects of the biographies), and subject, which groups the biographees by occupation and ethnic group.
This welcome addition in the Masterplots II series will be a helpful resource for students at both the junior- and senior-high levels and a worthwhile purchase for libraries that serve those age levels.
From Library Journal
This latest addition to the growing Masterplots set provides, for 418 novels published between 1900 and 1986, ready reference data; plot summaries; brief analyses of major characters, themes, and critical contexts; and brief bibliographies. Some 80 percent are from Great Britain, Canada, and Australia; the remainder are from Commonwealth writers such as Thea Astley and Ayi Kwei Armah. About two-thirds of the novels were published after 1950, too late for inclusion in the original Masterplots. Some of the post-1950 titles were included in Magill's Literary Annual (another major component of this set), but all such entries this reviewer checked were new. This excellent set will be an invaluable addition to any collection concerned with 20th-century literature, though a single index for the various components of the Masterplots series would be welcome. Peter Dollard, Alma Coll. Lib., Mich.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Masterplots II: American Fiction Series, Vol. 5 Supplement
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
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Condition: Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 48384274-6