Overview
Provides teachers and students with a range of information and opinion on the novel and its author. Contributors are English professors at leading colleges and universities, literary scholars and critics, theater and film historians, and biographers of Shelley. Most essays deal specifically with the original novel and its conceptions, sources, meanings, and themes. Other essays look at film and stage adaptations and the degree to which they remain true to the original. Includes essay introductions and a chronology. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, ORDiscusses Mary Shelley's sources of ideas for the compelling plot, well-developed characters, and universal themes of "Frankenstein" which have led to its enduring popularity.
Synopsis
Provides teachers and students with a range of information and opinion on the novel and its author. Contributors are English professors at leading colleges and universities, literary scholars and critics, theater and film historians, and biographers of Shelley. Most essays deal specifically with the original novel and its conceptions, sources, meanings, and themes. Other essays look at film and stage adaptations and the degree to which they remain true to the original. Includes essay introductions and a chronology. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
KLIATT
This new addition to the series offers a biography of the author and essays from literary critics ("edited to accommodate the reading and comprehension levels of young adults") on aspects of the works. In the title on The Merchant of Venice, for example, under general chapters on background, major themes, characterization, structure and language, and evaluation, English professor John Russell Brown examines "Shylock: A Villain with Humanity," while drama critic Gareth Lloyd Evans makes a case that "The Merchant of Venice Lacks Dramatic Unity." Each essay is prefaced by a brief summary of its main points. A chronology and a list of organizations round out the volume. Both students and teachers of English literature will find much food for thought in this series. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Greenhaven, 160p, 24cm, bibliog, index, $13.96. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; May 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 3)