Congratulations are in order to Mark Twain Forum
member, R. Kent Rasmussen ([log in to unmask]):
American Library Association Names _Mark Twain A to Z_
An Outstanding Reference Source.
The Reference Sources Committee of the American Library
Association announced in the May 1, 1996 issue of
_Booklist_ that _Mark Twain A to Z_ by R. Kent
Rasmussen has been named an "Outstanding Reference
Source" in its 1996 "Selection of Recent Titles."
In her article describing the selection process, ALA's
Reference Sources Chair, Shirley A. Maul explained, "At
a recent ALA preconference reference workshop,
participants were told annual reference publications
alone are estimated at 15,000, not counting electronic
resources . . . At ALA's Midwinter Meeting in San
Antonio, the Reference Sources Committee evaluated
those sources and decided which of the some one
hundred-plus nominees would make the final list."
_Mark Twain A to Z_ was among a group of thirty
distinguished reference works so honored. Rasmussen's
"Essential Reference" shares the spotlight with such
notable editions as _The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the
English Language_ as well as several of Oxford
University Press's "Companions" and "Encyclopedias".
In the capsule review of Rasmussen's book, the
committee wrote:
"'Essential' is the word for it! _Mark Twain A to Z_ is
comprised of nearly 1,300 entries on almost every
aspect of the author's life and writings. Here one
finds detailed information on each of his works,
including chapter-by-chapter synopses for major pieces,
plus word counts, publishing histories, screen
adaptations, information on manuscripts, and much more.
The places Twain lived and visited, people he knew,
steamboats he piloted, and other important elements of
his life are thoroughly covered. Over 130
illustrations including many interesting and unusual
photographs. Special features including a map, "Mark
Twain in America," and a very handy chronology of his
life. Libraries of all types will want this
authoritative and attractive source."
~~~~~
K.B.
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