Fluent in Fantasy: A Guide to Reading Interests (Genreflecting Advisory Series) - Hardcover

Kunzel, Bonnie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1563086557 ISBN 13: 9781563086557

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 1999

Synopsis

The rich and complex genre of fantasy fiction appeals to readers of all ages. Designed for readers' advisors and collection development specialists in public, school, and college libraries, this in-depth guide expands upon the material on fantasy fiction offered in Genreflecting. Herald offers a historical and structural overview of the genre, describes 15 subgenres and a score of variations within them, and lists the best and most current reads available in the fantasy arena. Descriptive entries contain information about pertinent review resources, bibliographies, criticism, awards, and organizations. An author/title and subject index help provide easy access to specific titles and authors and an appendix lists recommended fantasy titles for young adults. A must for readers' advisors and collection development specialists, this book will also be valuable to writers, researchers, bookstore owners, and dedicated fans of fantasy fiction.

About this title

About the Author

Diana Tixier Herald, a former readers' advisory librarian, is program and outreach manager at Delta County Libraries, Delta, CO, and an author, readers' advisory consultant, workshop presenter, and speaker.

Reviews

This useful book begins by providing a definition of fantasy and a history of the genre. Subsequent chapters provide descriptions and annotated lists of titles in various subgenres including "Sword and Sorcery," "Saga, Myth, and Legend," "Alternate and Parallel Worlds," and "Graphic Novels." The selected titles come from many sources, including library and bookstore patrons, award winners, and reader polls. There is also a chapter on resources such as bibliographies, biographies, atlases, online resources, organizations and conventions, and awards. A glossary of common fantasy vocabulary, the "YALSA-BK Best Fantasy for YA List," and a recommended core collection are appended.-Marlyn K. Roberts, Codman Square Library, Dorchester, MA

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Librarians new to reader's advisory and unfamiliar with the fantasy and romance genres will find these two guides very helpful. Herald, a consultant specializing in genre fiction, expands on the fantasy material she discussed in Genreflecting (1995) and describes 15 fantasy subgenres (from Sword and Sorcery to Dark Fantasy), listing for each the best and most current books available. Revising and expanding her Happily Ever After (1987), Ramsdell, LJ's Romance columnist, thoroughly covers the genre from early classics to contemporary novels. She also includes subcategories not discussed in the previous edition (Regency, alternative reality romance, ethnic/multicultural romance). Both volumes feature recommended core collections, author, title, and subject indexes, and other useful resources.AWW
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1563086557
• ISBN 13: 9781563086557
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 260