May 1, 2006
Gr 9 Up -This book provides valuable information about ancient Greek drama, focusing on the four major dramatists. Plays discussed are: "Agamemnon"; "Choephoroi", or "The Libation Bearers"; and "Eumenides" by Aeschylus; "Antigone", "Oedipus Rex", and "Oedipus at Colonus" by Sophocles; "Medea" and "Bacchae" by Euripides; and "Birds" and "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes. Meant as an introductory guide to both comedy and tragedy, this volume is packed full of useful information and explanations. Chapters include a brief biography of the dramatist, a discussion of style and the use of myth, a list of works, summaries of the plays, historical context, plot, setting, passage and scene analyses, characters, imagery, themes, stagecraft, translations, and notes. If a play has a specific feature, such as the significance of costume, this information is also provided. Additional discussions cover illusion vs. reality, the use of the mask, tragic flaws, sources of humor, etc. With this volume, students will find it easier to read and interpret these plays, and teachers will find the background material useful." -Pat Bender, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 1, 2005
WEB This database offers digitized biographies from 20 of the well-known "Who's Who" print publications, covering both historical and modern subjects. Approximately 1.2 million biographies of notable individuals are available, spanning fields as diverse as medicine, nursing, science and engineering, business and finance, entertainment, education, religion, media and communications, and human services. The typical biography includes information about the subject's education, career achievements, leadership positions, family, and dates of birth and death (where applicable). Current biographies also include contact information. Both basic and advanced search options are available. The advanced search function allows the user to search among a variety of criteria, including occupation, birth year, college/university, and year of graduation, among many others. The user also has the option in most cases to choose from a drop-down list or input free text into a keyword search box. The web site's interface is attractive and easy to use, with clearly marked explanatory material, and the database is updated daily.
Those considering a subscription should be aware that an individual's inclusion in the database is determined by the publisher's research staff. According to the web site, several criteria are used to determine whether an individual has attained a position of leadership at a "significant organization," has made a "noteworthy achievement," or has made "contributions to the community." Coverage appears to be somewhat uneven, with some notable figures absent and many obscure figures included. For example, a keyword search for "Librarian of Congress" turns up former Librarians of Congress and others affiliated with LC but not James Billington. Perhaps one of "LJ"'s readers should utilize the "Nominate a Colleague" option that is prominently displayed on the web site to correct this omission. Users are also given the option to nominate themselves for inclusion in the database. Bottom Line This extremely user-friendly database would be an excellent addition to any online general reference collection. Recommended for large public libraries. -Jennifer Michaelson, Cleveland, OH
Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.