Publication date:
07 February 2011Length of book:
224 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressDimensions:
231x155mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780810877689
Canada's rich literary heritage, dominated by a multicultural and multilingual presence, reflects the country's unique history and experience. In addition, an emerging body of new writers is redefining both the geographic and metaphorical boundaries of Canadian literature. Coupled with the propagation of digital technologies, Canada's burgeoning publishing industry presents unique challenges for both the introductory and seasoned literary researcher. Literary Research and Canadian Literature: Strategies and Sources provides researchers with the tools to navigate Canada's multifaceted literary scene.
This guide addresses the tools and best practices for selecting and evaluating print and electronic sources related to the extensive and varied literature of Canada. Beginning with an overview of the strategies needed to conduct online research, individual chapters examine general literary reference materials; relevant online library catalogs, including national and union library catalogs; scholarly journals; archival collections; microform and digital collections; periodicals, literary magazines, newspapers, and reviews; and Web and electronic resources. Special topics discussed include "little magazines," scholarly gateways, and cultural resources. The guide culminates in a chapter that illustrates the application of the strategies explored to solve a research problem. The strategies discussed within the guide are applicable to both canonical and lesser-known authors, therefore making this work relevant to anyone interested in researching Canadian literature.
This guide addresses the tools and best practices for selecting and evaluating print and electronic sources related to the extensive and varied literature of Canada. Beginning with an overview of the strategies needed to conduct online research, individual chapters examine general literary reference materials; relevant online library catalogs, including national and union library catalogs; scholarly journals; archival collections; microform and digital collections; periodicals, literary magazines, newspapers, and reviews; and Web and electronic resources. Special topics discussed include "little magazines," scholarly gateways, and cultural resources. The guide culminates in a chapter that illustrates the application of the strategies explored to solve a research problem. The strategies discussed within the guide are applicable to both canonical and lesser-known authors, therefore making this work relevant to anyone interested in researching Canadian literature.
Reznowski (Washington State Univ.) has written an accessible, thorough, and highly useful guide to doing research in Canadian literature. The guide adheres to the template established throughout the "Literary Research" series, outlining the basics of online searching; general literary reference sources; library catalogs; print and electronic bibliographies, indexes and annual reviews; scholarly journals; periodicals, newspapers, and reviews; microform and digital collections; Web resources; and manuscripts and archives. All offer examples of resources and tools specific to Canadian literary research. The very practical closing chapter, "Researching a Thorny Problem," posits a particular author, in this case Morley Callaghan, whose reputation waxed and waned throughout his career. Reznowski suggests resources and strategies that could assist students in researching a particular time period within Callaghan's writing life. The chapter on archives is excellent, too, providing student researchers with sound advice about what to do in advance of an archival visit, the nature of archival research, what to expect when visiting an archive, and how to work with the materials found there. This book should find a place in every academic library that supports research in Canadian literature. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students.