A good book review often contains references to other titles by a particular author or other books in the same genre as that under review. Unfortunately, book reviewers only have limited time and resources and cannot possibly read every book related to each book that they review.
A collection of reference books relating to a range of genres can equip reviewers with the necessary background information to write well-informed and useful reviews. Reviewers specialising in a particular genre can also benefit from reference books offering a more general literature overview.
Criteria for a Useful Reference Book
Anthologies, collections and books with recommended reading lists abound. These are not all necessarily helpful as reference handbooks, although they can be useful are a source of general inspiration and information.
To be practical and useful for research purposes, a book needs to offer a significant overview of literature in general, or in depth coverage of a particular genre or style. It must also have an index or well organised format to ensure that the necessary information can be located quickly.
Additional features that can be very useful for book reviewers are the inclusion of a list of titles written by a particular author, a summary of the author’s style or predominant themes and recommendations for books with similar themes or written in a similar style.
Book Reviewer Reference Book Suggestions
The following offer a general guide to the style of book that is particularly useful as a reference.
1001 Books you Must Read before You Die (ABC Books, 2006) – Gen Ed. Peter Boxall
Sorted by publication date, the 1001 works of predominantly adult fiction listed in this book include a brief summary as well as a fact box with the publishing details, name and lifespan of the author, any awards received and general facts of interest. Three indexes (title, author and general) ensure that information can be quickly and easily located.
Time Out: 1000 Books to Change your Life (Time Out Guides, 2007)
Grouped into lists such as classic children’s books, love and romance, food and feasts, and old age and into critics’ choice selections of 5 – 6 titles on topics such as class struggle, unrequited love, murders and opening lines. A particular advantage for reviews are the numerous ‘books that changed my life’ recommendations by well-known individuals and short essays, both of which offer a wealth of useful quotes to include in reviews.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Ultimate Reading List (Alpha Books, 2007) – Mosley, Charles, Hamilton-Selway and van Winkle
Despite the frivolous title, this books contains a useful variety of fiction and non-fiction lists grouped within 18 different genres including mystery, romance, fantasy, travel, horror and literary, contemporary, historical and inspirational fiction. There are indexes listing both authors and book titles and a one paragraph summary of each title.
501 Great Writers (Quintessence, 2008) – General ed. Julian Patrick
A collection of profiles of significant authors born from pre-1500 to post-1960. With only 7 authors listed with birthdates after 1960, this is more a reference of authors who have made a long term contribution to literature rather than contemporary or modern authors. Profiles include a summary, a list of signature titles, date and place of birth and style and genre information.
The Little Black Book: Books (Cassell Illustrated, 2007) - General ed. Lucy Daniel
An amazing summary of a century of significant titles, writers and literary events from 1900 - 2000. This collection includes books and authors from around the world, both fiction and non-fiction works, reference to the social and ongoing impact of certain works and a variety of other interesting facts and information.
Book Review Basics
Book reviewers are able to provide a much better indication of the value of the books they recommend, or criticise, if they can compare with similar books and authors. A personal library of useful reference books can be a very helpful source of background information and recommendations for comparison with a title or author under discussion.
Reviewers should always ensure that quotes or references used from external sources are correctly attributed in their reviews.
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