From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-These volumes fill a real need for high-quality works of literary criticism and history. Without oversimplifying or writing down to their audience, the authors supply accurate information in concise presentations that are formatted attractively and supplemented by outstanding illustrative materials. A careful choice of authors assures readable content and clearly stated theses. For example, Barnard, a well-known mystery author, literary critic, and past chair of the Bront' Society, engagingly describes his subject's short life and enigmatic character, and, based on the latest research, raises fascinating questions about her writings, especially Wuthering Heights. Hebron, a manager of England's Wordsworth Trust, presents an equally compelling outline of his subject's long and often complicated poetic career. He covers the significant issues in Wordsworth's life and works with care and clarity, and provides a lucid explanation of the poet's profound influence both on his contemporaries and on later writers. The many attractive color and black-and-white illustrations include reproductions of original manuscripts from the British Library's rich collections. There are many other books of similar scope, but few put together the information so succinctly and attractively. Overall, excellent reference sources for research.Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. This is an effective survey of the viewpoints that surround the issue of teen pregnancy. Hurley organizes her summaries around the questions of how serious a problem teen pregnancy is; what factors contribute to it; and how it can be prevented. Debaters will find this a useful tool, both for its concise summations of differing views, and its occasional inclusion of an unpopular viewpoint (pregnancy can arguably improve some teen lives). Needless to say, the arguments derive from both sides of the political spectrum. Each chapter lists exact sources of quotes, and two appendixes include quick facts, lists of organizations to contact for further information, and several documents and reports that address the teen pregnancy issue. A highly useful entry in the Opposing Viewpoints Digest series. Denise Wilms
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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Inspired by England's Lake District, William Wordsworth (1770-1850) created some of the best-loved poems of the Romantic period. In The Prelude he described his youth and schooling, and the death of both his parents when he was just a child. Wordsworth was separated from his sister, Dorothy, at that time, but was reunited with her in 1795. Her private diaries and cherished companionship inspired many of his works, and she lived with her brother and his family until his death. Together they formed a literary threesome with poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived near them for much of their lives.

In this fascinating biography, the author traces the details of Wordsworth's life -- his studies at Cambridge, his early travels in France and his passionate support of the French Revolution, his return to the Lake District, and his marriage and children -- that have such a presence in his autobiographical poems. Wordsworth's work had a tremendous influence on his contemporaries, such as Shelley and Keats, and on later generations of poets.

This authoritative introduction to Wordsworth's life and work is filled with a wide variety of photographs, portraits, and paintings, as well as original manuscripts from the British Library, the Wordsworth Trust, and other sources.

FROM THE CRITICS

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