Laura Ingalls Wilder: An Annotated Bibliography of Critical, Biographical, and Teaching Studies

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

With the publication of her first book, The Little House in the Big Woods (1932), Laura Ingalls Wilder became an almost overnight success as a writer of children's literature. This reference is a comprehensive compilation of works and research done on her from the first appearance of commentary to mid-1995. Citations are included for books, booklets, articles, theses, dissertations, and book reviews, and the annotations discuss the contents of these works. Entries are grouped in chapters devoted to critical works, biographical works, teaching studies and materials, teaching kits, serial publications, and book reviews. A brief introduction overviews the present state of Wilder studies, and detailed indexes conclude the volume. With the publication of her first book, The Little House in the Big Woods (1932), Laura Ingalls Wilder became an almost overnight success as a writer of children's literature. Her series of books consisting of autobiographical fiction have long been considered classics in the United States and have been translated into a large number of languages for their gradual migration into other countries as well. Early book reviews and articles began to comment on the importance and quality of her writings. The amount of criticism has escalated tremendously, and recent research and study have focused on the value of her works for all age groups. Because of Wilder's popularity as a children's author, her works are taught in schools and curriculum units have been designed to incorporate her writings. This reference book provides a comprehensive compilation of works and research done on Wilder from the first appearance of commentary to mid-1995. Included are citations for books, booklets, theses, dissertations, articles, and book reviews, and the annotations discuss the contents of the works. Entries are arranged in several sections to promote useful access to the materials. A brief introduction provides an overview of Wilder studies and indicates some areas where more research is needed, and several indexes enhance the accessibility of the information.

Reviews

As popular as the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder are with readers of all ages, no comprehensive reference materials existed to aid in the study and teaching of this author. Subramanian's book fills this void with annotated lists of critical commentaries, biographical works, and teaching materials. The arrangement of the book in sections of types of works invites browsing, while the indexes assist the researcher looking for specific subjects. Annotations are concise yet informative enough to help determine the usefulness of materials....This book is a tool to discover the variety of ways that Wilder's works can be used in teaching and learning about writing and its interaction with the social sciences.-The Book Report
"As popular as the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder are with readers of all ages, no comprehensive reference materials existed to aid in the study and teaching of this author. Subramanian's book fills this void with annotated lists of critical commentaries, biographical works, and teaching materials. The arrangement of the book in sections of types of works invites browsing, while the indexes assist the researcher looking for specific subjects. Annotations are concise yet informative enough to help determine the usefulness of materials....This book is a tool to discover the variety of ways that Wilder's works can be used in teaching and learning about writing and its interaction with the social sciences."-The Book Report

Author Bio

JANE M. SUBRAMANIAN is a member of the library faculty at F. W. Crumb Memorial Library, State University of New York College at Potsdam, where she presently serves as music cataloger and reference librarian.