Masterplots, Vol. 12

Booknews

<:st> An expanded and updated version of the 1976 "Masterplots, revised edition", which was itself a culmination of the four previous "Masterplots" sets published at intervals since 1949, and cited in "BCL3", "Guide to Reference Books", and "Walford". This edition contains a total of 1,801 entries. All of the titles in the 1976 edition were reviewed for currency, accuracy, and quality of critical analysis; the necessary rewriting, revising, and expunging were carried out; 425 new titles were added; and, as a new feature, annotated bibliographies were added to each entry. Arranged alphabetically by title, each article opens with a succinct compilation of reference data on the type of work, the author, and the date of first publication, and where applicable, first English translation. The opening section also provides information on the type of plot, the time of plot and locale; and the synopsis provides the names of principle characters, a straightforward summary of the plot, and a critical analysis that discusses significant aspects of the work's artistry and history. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.