An important contribution to a little-known area of literary study. The contributors provide a comprehensive overview of Brazilian literature; all are scholars of Brazilian literature. Choice

The Dictionary of Brazilian Literature is an important addition to the field of Brazilian studies, an despite certain limitations, it should become a standard reference work in the United States as well as in Brazil. Literature and history scholars, students of Brazilian letters, and casual readers will find the book highly informative, up to date, well organized, carefully written, and reasonably complete. World Literature Today

This is the first general dictionary of Brazilian literature for the English-speaking reader. The entries, which portray the literature within the sociocultural context of Brazilian life, describe more than 300 major figures and literary and cultural movements of Brazilian civilization. The time span extends from the epoch of discovery to the present day, and focuses on the twentieth century, particularly the most contemporary figures. The length of each entry reflects the significance of the subject; in order to cover as many writers and themes as possible, less well known or very recent authors are discussed in general thematic entries.

Each entry provides concise, factual information. The more extensive pieces also offer a critical perspective for placing the writer in context, and provide conflicting critical opinions. The entries are of two types: author entries and thematic or movement entries. The thematic entries include the standard literary movements and also sociocultural movements of significance. The volume cross-references names both in the body of the text and in the index. Each entry includes a bibliography composed of additional selected works, translations, and criticism. This volume, which is designed for an English-speaking audience, stresses translations of works and critical references to English-language sources. It will be an important addition to college and university libraries, and a useful reference tool for courses in comparative literature.

Stern, Irwin

IRWIN STERN is a Lecturer in Portugese and Brazilian Literatures at Columbia University.