Historical dictionary of romanticism in literature /

Varner (Abilene Christian Univ.), author of several previous historical dictionaries focusing on American literary genres, e.g., Historical Dictionary of Westerns in Literature (CH, May'11, 48-4826), takes a broad chronological view of and an international approach to his topic of Romanticism in literature. With an informative introduction, a detailed chronology, and an extensive bibliography, Varner whets readers' appetites for more detail. The British Romantics receive the most space, but Varner does not neglect German, American, French, Spanish, and Russian writers. His dictionary reflects a wider range of writers than the anthologies of 30 or 40 years ago. Women are well represented and given significant coverage as are some lesser-known Continental and British male writers, making this dictionary a source for discovery as well as reinforcement. Students would do well to have this volume at hand while studying, so it seems fitting that it should circulate rather than be confined to reference shelves. Ample cross-references mean that one can follow a satisfying and informative path through the book without regard for the alphabetical arrangement. In sum, this is an excellent introduction for novices and a handy reference for more experienced scholars. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers. --Rebecca Ann Stuhr, University of Pennsylvania