Masterplots was the first book published by Salem Press in 1949 and is the original work of literary reference offering plot summaries. From a collection of 500 plot summaries of world-famous novels, plays, poems and works of non-fiction, Masterplots has grown to cover plot synopses, critical commentary, character profiles, literary settings and biographical profiles in more than 12,000 reference articles. Masterplots articles are designed to be efficient reference sources, providing available facts about a work at a glance. Each article opens with ready-reference information: Type of work, author, first publication date, and English translation date where applicable. Narrative works also receive type of plot, time of plot, locale, and principal characters.