A biographical encyclopedia of American and British Christian-themed writers from World War II to the present, covering acclaimed literary works and popular evangelical fiction. Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction: From C.S. Lewis to Left Behind spans the entire breadth of Christian-themed British and American writing from World War II to the present—well-known and less familiar authors, acclaimed literary novels, and popular writing in a variety of genres (mysteries, thrillers, romances), works that explore matters of faith, works that challenge orthodoxy and church practices, and works wholly written by and for devout evangelicals. Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction offers 90 alphabetically organized entries covering the field's most important writers. Each entry includes a brief biography, religious and educational background, a survey of major works and themes, and a summary of critical response, as well as a bibliography of major works and criticism. By examining evocative, sometimes overlooked Christian elements in modern fiction, and by exploring the depth and scope of popular evangelical fiction, Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Fiction offers the richest, most complete portrait of the role of faith in modern English writing ever published.

From his earliest success in 1945 with the poignant "The Glass Menagerie," until his final curtain call with the 1979 production of "The Two-Character Play," Tennessee Williams never stopped experimenting with theatrical techniques and striving to explain his richly provocative ideas. This new critical study of Williams traces the shape of the playwright's life and career, both full of wanderings, failures, love, anguish, and unparalleled triumphs. Incorporating much of the new information that is emerging in the recent publication of letters, biographies, and previously unpublished plays, this Student Companion distills a vast body of scholarship to give a fresh and accessible presentation of the key elements of Williams' complicated works. In-depth analysis of 7 of Williams' plays explore the literary styles, themes, and influences Williams drew from poetry, movies, mythology, religion, and personal experiences. This book allows the general reader and theatre enthusiast a glimpse at the shape of his life, his mind, and his work. Readers will come to appreciate why plays such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1947) and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1955) have come to be considered American classics.

Following the successful series format, this volume introduces readers to Tennessee Williams with a richly detailed biography, followed by a Literary Heritage chapter. A full chapter is devoted to examining each of his major plays. In addition to analysis of character, plot, themes, and style, each play is also given an alternate reading from formal, feminist, psychological, gay, or theological criticism. The concluding bibliography cites all of Williams' dramatic output, as well as his poetry and prose. It also gives many sources for biographical information, criticism of individual works, and original reviews from the first staging of his plays. Students and their teachers should find this volume interesting and easy to follow.

Most who's who Bible references are out of print, written only for younger readers, or lack the scope and readiness of information found in this remarkable new resource. The epic richness of the Bible is a source of never-ending study and interest. Archetypal protagonists from Aaron to Zephaniah continue to resonate throughout Western culture. This book profiles and contextualizes more than 100 of the most significant biblical figures from the Scriptures, Apocrypha, and New Testament, including information about their heritage, adventures and pronouncements, the periods in which they lived, later discoveries about the characters and their times, and traditions that have developed around them.

Each alphabetically organized essay entry discusses the name and etymology of the character, provides a rich synopsis of the relevant Bible story or stories, presents historical context and archeological evidence, and traces the character in later cultural works. This authoritative and invaluable research tool is perfect for students of religion and Western literature and the arts, as well as general readers of the Bible.

The Bible has had a tremendous influence on world history and culture. For centuries it was the central text of Western civilization, but it is now largely unfamiliar to many students. The universal themes present in the Bible appear in numerous literary works ranging from the classic to the contemporary, and these works are both enduring and popular. They are widely read by students and reflect the cultural and historical conditions that gave rise to them. An understanding of the Bible is fundamental to an understanding of these literary works, and an understanding of these literary works gives students greater comprehension of world history and cultures. This book helps students explore the lasting presence of the Bible in literature. The volume provides chapters on 20 themes central to the Bible, including: Creation The Earthly Paradise Nature Animals and Humans Temptation and Sin Love and Marriage Women as Heroes Slavery and Freedom Death and the Afterlife And many more. Each chapter discusses the biblical significance of the theme, provides scriptural citations and quotations, and relates the theme to frequently read literary works. Chapters suggest resources for further reading, and the volume closes with a selected, general bibliography. With the tremendous growth in courses on the Bible as literature, this book will be a welcome resource for students of literature, history, and religion.