This volume features approximately 600 entries that represent the major writers, literary schools and cultural movements in the history of Mexican literature. A collaborative effort by American, Mexican and Hispanic scholars, the text contains bibliographical, biographical and critical material - placing each work cited within its cultural and historical framework. Intended to enrich the English-speaking public's appreciation of the wide diversity of Mexican literature, works are selected on the basis of their contribution toward an understanding of Mexican literary art. After the bibliography, which cites histories and general studies alphabetically by author, an overview of Mexican literature profiles the cultural background against which the literature evolved. The dictionary that follows contains entries keyed by author and works, the length of each entry determined by the relative significance of the writer or movement being discussed. Each biographical entry identifies the author's literary contribution by including facts about his or her life and works, a chronological list of works, a supplementary bibliography, and, when appropriate, critical notes.
Authors are listed alphabetically and cross-referenced both within the text and the index to facilitate easy access to information. Selected bibliography entries are also listed alphabetically by the author and include both the original title and English translation, publisher, date and place of publication, and number of pages.