Review
Zegura's encyclopedia condenses and organizes the vast critical literature about Rabelais' work and time. The encyclopedia is carefully constructed, clearly written, and well edited. More than 70 researchers around the world--established Rabelais scholars to newcomers--contribute articles of varying length on the characters, episodes, literary and philosophical movements, and political and religious figures of the time and the period's cultural manifestations in art, architecture, music, and printing. They also write concise introductions to some of the critical perspectives and methodologies scholars have used in approaching Rabelais' work....Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and higher.Choice

Book Description
The French humanist Rabelais (ca. 1483-1553) was the greatest French writer of the Renaissance and one of the most influential authors of all time. Though a ribald satire, his Gargantua and Pantagruel offers a broad discussion of religion, philosophy, politics, and education and reflects the issues confronting the 16th century. The first work of its kind, this encyclopedia concisely but comprehensively overviews Rabelais' life and writings. Included are hundreds of entries on his works, characters, and acquaintances, as well as on such topics as religion, humanism, death, warfare, censors and censorship, education, and numerous others. Entries are written by expert contributors and close with recommendations for further reading. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The French humanist Rabelais (ca. 1483-1553) was the greatest French writer of the Renaissance and one of the most influential authors of all time. His Gargantua and Pantagruel, written in five volumes between 1532 and 1553, rivals the works of Shakespeare and Cervantes in terms of artistry, complexity of ideas and expression, and historical importance. Rabelais is read in numerous courses in French Literature, Renaissance Studies, and Western Civilization, and his writings continue to attract the attention of scholars and general readers alike. The first work of its kind, this encyclopedia is a comprehensive guide to his life and writings. Included are several hundred A-Z entries written by expert contributors. These entries discuss Rabelais' characters, his overt and veiled references to historical and Renaissance figures and events, his literary and philosophical allusions, his major themes, and the key events and influences that shaped his career. The entries also cover such topics as education, religion, censors and censorship, humanism, death, and warfare. Works for further reading are suggested. The encyclopedia closes with a selected general bibliography.

SYNOPSIS