Biographical dictionary of literary influences : the nineteenth century, 1800-1914 /

Especially valuable for college and university libraries, this ambitious volume attempts to identify the authors and works that influenced the thought of 271 Western cultural figures of the 19th century, including many educators, politicians, philosophers, musicians, and artists. Entries treat the persons influenced and are alphabetically arranged; each consists of a brief biography, an examination of authors and works known to have influenced each subject, a list of archival collections, and references. A cogent, clearly organized introduction explores the aims of the volume and notes limitations and inconsistencies in attempting to present the literary influences affecting such a wide range of cultural figures. The editors also provide a tantalizing summary of their research findings, emphasizing the idiosyncratic apprehension of ideas among intellectuals, while confirming the existence of a stable canon of influential writings. Although the substantial impact of Shakespeare's works will occasion little surprise, the high respect accorded minor writers such as Edward Bellamy may prove more unexpected. The index cites individuals noted as influential within entries and broad subject headings. K. Rosneck University of Wisconsin--Madison