Catholic Women Writers: A Bio-Bibliographical Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Women have been writing in the Catholic tradition since early medieval times, yet no single volume has brought together critical evaluations of their works until now. The first reference of its kind, Catholic Women Writers provides entries on 64 Catholic women writers from around the world and across the centuries. Each of the entries is written by an expert contributor and includes a biography of the author; a critical discussion of her works, especially her Catholic and women's themes; an overview of her critical reception; and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources. Authors writing in all genres, including fiction, autobiography, poetry, children's literature, and essays, are represented. The entries give special attention to the authors' use of Catholic themes, structures, traditions, culture, and spirituality. The writers surveyed range from Doctors of the Church to mystics and visionaries, to those who employ Catholic themes primarily in historical and cultural contexts, to those who critique the tradition. An introductory essay places the writers within the historical and literary contexts of women's writing in the Catholic tradition, and the volume closes with a selected, general bibliography.

Reviews

.,."excellent, one-of-a-kind reference work."-Feminist Collection
[T]his work listing 64 women writers of the second millennium is welcome. The volume is well indexed and comes with a selected general bibliography. The editor provides a useful introduction on Catholic thought and the role of women in the church. This work is unique in its exploration of women writers and the Catholic tradition and fills a niche in reference collections, especially where Catholicism is of high interest.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
In addition to its obvious significance for Catholic academic institutions, it should also be of use to anyone seeking concise, well-written information on both major and minor women writers in the Catholic tradition.-American Reference Books Annual
Reichardt's small but rich reference work fills a niche in Catholic literature. All collections.-Choice
...excellent, one-of-a-kind reference work.- Feminist Collection
...excellent, one-of-a-kind reference work.-Feminist Collection
...excellent, one-of-a-kind reference work.Feminist Collection
"This work listing 64 women writers of the second millennium is welcome. The volume is well indexed and comes with a selected general bibliography. The editor provides a useful introduction on Catholic thought and the role of women in the church. This work is unique in its exploration of women writers and the Catholic tradition and fills a niche in reference collections, especially where Catholicism is of high interest."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
..."excellent, one-of-a-kind reference work."-Feminist Collection
"In addition to its obvious significance for Catholic academic institutions, it should also be of use to anyone seeking concise, well-written information on both major and minor women writers in the Catholic tradition."-American Reference Books Annual
"Reichardt's small but rich reference work fills a niche in Catholic literature. All collections."-Choice
"[T]his work listing 64 women writers of the second millennium is welcome. The volume is well indexed and comes with a selected general bibliography. The editor provides a useful introduction on Catholic thought and the role of women in the church. This work is unique in its exploration of women writers and the Catholic tradition and fills a niche in reference collections, especially where Catholicism is of high interest."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

Author Bio

MARY R. REICHARDT is Professor of English and Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she directs the Master's Program in Catholic Studies./e She has published numerous articles and four previous books on women authors.