Twentieth-century Romance and Historical Writers

The first edition of this work, "Twentieth Century Romance and Gothic Writers," edited by James Vinson and D.L. Kirkpatrick ( LJ 5/15/83), contained entries for only romance and gothic writers. The new title reflects the inclusion of historical romanceauthors. The format has been expanded, too. The new edition is 9 x 11; the first was 6 x 9. The preface relates the history of romantic and historical fiction and has an enlightening, concise discussion of the surge in such publishing since 1960. No criteria is given for selection of authors, however. Each entry contains a short biography, a listing of publications to 1989, a signed critical essay, and, often, comments by the author. The essays are quite informative and evaluative, although for those in the earlier edition, they have often been reprinted without updating. Series and series characters are indicated. A new feature is a suggested reading list on the genres. While studies of romance fiction have proliferated in recent years, this is much more comprehensive than Melinda Helfer and others' Romance Reader's Handbook (LJ 11/15/89) ; Mary June Kay's The Romantic Spirit ( MJK Enterprises, 1982); Eileen Fallon's Words of Love (LJ 2/1/84); and Kristin Ramsdell's Happily Ever After (Libraries Unlimited, 1987). There is no such coverage of historical novels available. Despite some limitations (lack of selection criteria and of a subject index), this guide is probably the most valuable resource of its kind for any collection, public or academic. It is highly recommended.-- M. Janet Simmons, Duluth P.L., Minn. - Library Journal.