A distinguished collection of 128 of the most influential first generation Holocaust authors are briefly profiled and highlights of their work critically examined by experts in the field.
Whether it's a novel, memoir, diary, poem, or drama, a common thread runs through the literature of the Nazi Holocaust—a motif of personal testimony to the dearness of humanity. With that perspective the expert authors of Encyclopedia of Holocaust Literature undertake profiling 128 of the most influential first generation authors who either survived, perished, or were closely connected to the Holocaust. Arranged alphabetically by author, all of the entries answer the same basic questions about the author and his or her work: What is the nature of the author's literary response to the Holocaust? What is his or her place in Holocaust literature? What does the author's work contribute to an understanding of the Holocaust? What is distinctive about the author's work? What are some key moments in the author's life? What issues does the author's work pose for the reader? To address these questions, the entries are generally organized into three primary divisions: (1) an opening section on why the author's work has a significant or distinctive place in Holocaust literature, (2) a second section containing information on the author's biography, and (3) a critical examination of the highlights of the author's work. In most cases, the third section is the longest, since the focus of the encyclopedia is the literature, not the author.
The Encyclopedia is intended for all students and teachers of the Holocaust, regardless of their levels of learning. Avenues for further research are incorporated at the conclusion of each entry and in a comprehensive bibliography of primary works of Holocaust literature and a second bibliography of critical studies of Holocaust literature.
Preface
Introduction
The Encyclopedia
Appendix 1: Authors by Date of Birth
Appendix 2: Authors by Country of Birth
Appendix 3: Authors by Birth Name
Bibliography of Primary Works of Holocaust Literature
Bibliography of Critical Studies of Holocaust Literature
Index
Reviews
"An excellent source for those interested in literature about the holocaust; essential for academic libraries."—Choice
"This useful new reference profiles the lives and works of influential authors associated with the Holocaust, whether as victim, as survivor, or in some other close capacity....this is the first significant encyclopedia in the field and is suitable for academic, public, and school libraries."—Library Journal
"[t]his is a very useful reference work for anyone interested in the scope and breadth of holocaust literature. The editors have made an important contribution to the field."—Jewish Book World
"...a solid choice for circulating collections, or branch library collections."—Against the Grain
"Highly recommended for all academic and public libraries, this encyclopedia brings together representative primary and critical works of Holocaust literature."—American Libraries
"...an important reference tool."—MultiCultural Review
"This volume would make an excellent addition to both literary criticism and Holocaust collections....Recommended."—Library Media Connection
"The value of this volume lies in the gathering together of so many authors and the literary criticism connected with understanding the Holocaust...for those libraries with an in-depth Holocaust collection and where there is an extensive Holocaust curriculum."—VOYA
"This important and sensitive work presents a detailed look at the writings and lives of authors who survived, perished in, or were closely connected to the Holocaust (1933-1945). It gives fresh voice to the Holocaust Studies subject area, which has seen many new publications in the last few years and thus needs a strong survey text... The contributors provide powerful documentation and original research in presenting their subjects' literary messages and biographies... the volume's Bibliography of Primary Works of Holocaust Literature is very comprehensive and will be a great aid to those doing primary research... The volume's arrangement and detailed analytic treatment make it unique...The Oryx volume will be a strong addition to public and academic libraries, especially the many with Holocaust classes at the graduate or undergraduate level. Many librarians will be able to use the extensive bibliography as a collection development tool."—Booklist, Starred Review
