Charles Dickens A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life & Work

Entries cover such topics as his associates, the characters in his novels, literary themes, social themes, other writers' assessments of his work, and his private life

Grade 9 Up?This title takes readers into the world of Dickens, both real and imaginary. Davis has used letters, criticism, correspondence, reviews, bibliographies, and text to provide detailed synopses of all of the author's major and minor works, the critical reception of each one, and character descriptions. Dickens's life is described in fascinating detail (e.g., readers learn about the real child who inspired the creation of Tiny Tim). Black-and-white illustrations, a chronology of the writer's life and major works, and an extensive index complete this book. Students will love the clear descriptions and facts offered up in this fine dictionary.?Linda A. Vretos, West Springfield High School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Davis (English, Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque) has exhaustively researched the material for this comprehensive and extremely valuable guide, the latest in the publisher's "A to Z" series. The more than 2500 entries cover the significant elements of Dickens's life, synopses of his works, "biographies" of his characters, descriptions of the novels' settings, and relevant historical information. The body of Dickensian criticism is also summarized. This important reference work should be included in both public and academic libraries.?Diane G. Premo, Rochester P.L., NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The publisher continues to provide attractive, reasonably priced resources on major authors in the curriculum, suitable for the high-school level and up. This one has 2,500 entries on Dickens' works, characters, and life. Next up: Edith Wharton.