A Bibliographical Guide to the Study of Western American Literature

Book excerpt: The revised and updated edition of this standard reference work in the field of Western American Literature now contains over 6,000 bibliographic references. The topical listings have been expanded to encompass feminist and environmental studies. Rather than attempting to be exhaustive, the editors have chosen the major interpretive works, making the volume useful to both specialists working outside their area and nonspecialists seeking an overview. Broad in its scope, the guide also focuses on a number of special topics: local color and regionalism, popular western literature, western film, Indian literature and Indians in western literature, the environment, women and families, the Beats, and Canadian western literature. Logically and helpfully organized, the volume will be invaluable to scholars, researchers, students, and general readers.