Choice Review

Librarians whose reference stacks are still relatively roomy and budgets robust might consider adding the latest five-volume edition of the Cyclopedia of Literary Characters. First published in 1963 (CH, Mar'64), this encyclopedia, which focused on character descriptions and development, provided a good complement to the original Masterplots. Subsequent editions and iterations of the work continued to be linked to new versions, additional volumes, and new editions of Masterplots. In 2011, the fourth edition of Masterplots (CH, Jul'11, 48-6022) was published, prompting this latest edition of the Cyclopedia. An additional nearly 250 titles were added, bringing the number of character summaries to over 29,000. Articles are arranged alphabetically by title, and character descriptions are ordered within articles by importance. Although helpful in its summaries, the Cyclopedia is not as critical a tool as Masterplots itself, which provides plot synopses, critical evaluations, and, often (if less directly), principal character descriptions. The fourth edition of Masterplots, comprising 12 volumes, is available in print and electronic forms. Salem Press also offers online access to an electronic version of Cyclopedia with print purchase. Recommended with qualifications for some collections. Summing Up: Optional. High school, community college, and undergraduate libraries. --Maria Theresa Kochis, California State University--Sacramento