The Dictionary of Midwestern Literature (Volume One) surveys the lives and writings of nearly 400 Midwestern authors and identifies some of the most important criticism of their writings. This work is premised on the belief that the literature of any region simultaneously captures the experience and influences the world view of its people, reflecting as well as shaping the evolving sense of individual and collective identity, meaning, and values. In aggregate, Volume One presents individual lives and literary orientations while simultaneously offering a much broader expression of the Midwestern experience form its many, diverse peoples over time.
An Introduction offers readers background information, describes the philosophy, focus, methodology, content and layout of entries, and criteria for inclusion. An extended lead-essay, The Origins and Development of the Literature of the Midwest, by distinguished Midwestern literature scholar David D. Anderson, provides a historical, cultural, and literary context in which the lives and writings of individual authors can be considered.
This volume is the first of a projected three volume series sponsored by the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature and created by its members. Volume Two will provide similar coverage of non-author entries, such as sites, centres, movements, influences, themes and genres. Volume Three will be a literary history of the Midwest. The plan for this three volume study is ambitious. One intent is to build understanding of the nature, importance, and influence of Midwestern writers and literature. Another is to provide information on other writers - including those from the early years of the Midwestern experience as well as those now emerging - who are typically absent from existing reference works.