Masterplots was the first book published by Salem Press in 1949 and is the original work of literary reference offering plot summaries. Salem pioneered this form of reference work. Masterplots includes 1,801 essays covering both standard and recent classics of world literature. The 526 new critical evaluation sections have been added to the current edition with new story segments and new essay review segments. In total there are 400 works of drama, 160 works of nonfiction, 880 novels, 110 novellas and short stories and 240 poems.