This significantly expanded second edition continues to build a bold framework for exploring the highly debated, complex, evolving literary movement of postmodernism. In addition to over 400 cross-referenced and alphabetically arranged entries, the volume includes an excellent introduction, a chronology of significant dates and literary works from 1939 to 2015, a handy list of acronyms, and an extensive, updated 75-page bibliography. The rewarding and informative 25-page introduction offers an unusually nuanced survey of the complexities of the field in providing multiple meanings of the term `postmodernism' related to cultural production, poststructuralist theories, and aesthetic approaches. While continuing to focus on individual writers, trends, stylistic forms, critical ideas, and texts significant to postmodernism, including important scholars, journals, and cultural influences, Mason has supplemented the present edition with the names of writers who have recently emerged, consolidated their reputation, or become better known or influential. The addition at the end of a larger number of references and entries related to worldwide postmodernist literature reflects the increasing availability of English translations of important works.
CHOICE
In the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Postmodernist Literature and Theater, Fran Mason presents 553 pages of a necessarily dense and complex reference work that begins with a chronology spanning 1939-2015 charting the subject matter as an international phenomenon heavily based in written and performed works.... In a mere 25 pages Mason manages to present in a clear and direct manner what could be impenetrable topics that will be essential reading for the novice researcher.... Following the introduction are 450 pages with over 400 entries in alphabetical order each enriched with cross-references in bold. These entries cover `writers, movements, forms of writing, textual strategies, critical ideas, and texts that are significant in relation to postmodernist literature.' The collection of writers covered has been expanded from the previous edition to include cutting-edge writers from an international perspective.... The exhaustively researched bibliography is 73 pages long and has its own table of contents consisting of five major sections: General, Postmodernist Aesthetics, Postmodernist Literature (Fiction, Drama, and Poetry), Postmodernist Literature (Critical Works), then Journals and Websites. This dictionary is an indispensable guide for students of postmodernist literature and would be a worthy addition to any reference collection.
American Reference Books Annual