In 1996, nearly 40 million United States citizens were reported to be living in poverty. This enormous number set in conjunction with the rapid growth in demand for more information technology presents librarians with a wrenching dilemma: how to maintain a modern facility while increasing services to the economically disadvantaged. Karen Venturella has gathered a diverse group of librarians and facilitators--including Khafre Abif, head of Childrens Services for the Mount Vernon Public Library in New York; Wizard Marks, who directs the Chicago Lake Security Center in its mission to improve the area; Lillian Marrero, who has concentrated on providing services to the Spanish speaking population; Kathleen de la Pena McCook, director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Florida; and 15 others--to find strategies for dealing with the current crisis of disparity. These writers address both the theoretical issues of ensuring access to information regardless of ability to pay, and the practical means for meeting the needs of low income populations. Appendices include the ALAs Policy on Library Services to Poor People, The Library Bill of Rights, and a listing of poverty-related organizations.

Poor People and Library Services

Reference

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Interest in self taught, outsider or folk art is exploding, and both curious newcomers and serious collectors can now turn to this guide, which provides information on the artists and the places where their work may be viewed or purchased.

Self Taught, Outsider, and Folk Art: A Guide to American Artists, Locations and Resources

Arts & Photography

Sellen, Betty-Carol

Johanson, Cynthia J.

History & Criticism

This encyclopedia lists, describes and cross-references everything to do with American opera: works (both operas and operettas, including separate entries for the most popular arias), composers, librettists, singers, and source authors, along with relevant recordings. The approximately 1,750 entries range from ballad operas and composers of the 18th century to modern minimalists and video opera artists. Each opera entry consists of plot, history, premiere and cast, followed by a chronological listing of recordings, movies and videos. An introduction provides an excellent overview of the general subject of American opera. In addition to the operas and the people associated with them, the work includes entries for the American opera companies and for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, listing the dates and venues of all American operas performed there. Illustrations from the author’s extensive collection of music and other materials round out the work.

Encyclopedia of American Opera

Wlaschin, Ken

Music

Composers give a unique and powerful voice to the stories we see on the big screen. Those who work principally with one type of film may leave a unique imprint on an entire genre. James Bernard was one such composer. From 1952 to the late 1990s he was one of horror’s definitive and distinctive voices, scoring many of Hammer’s best-known films, including Dracula. This critical biography details Bernard’s life from struggle to success. More than just a biography, however, it is also a meticulous examination of his music, including its intricate mechanisms and the many sources of Bernard’s inspiration. Movie scores examined include The Quatermass Experiment, The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Reviews of Bernard’s work and reminiscences of the composer himself add depth and personal feeling to the biography. A music glossary and a filmography complete the work.

James Bernard, Composer To Count Dracula: A Critical Biography

Biographies & Memoirs

David Huckvale, Ingrid Pitt

Arts & Literature

When President Abraham Lincoln issued his call to arms in 1861, the 63rd, 69th and 88th New York Volunteers were among the first to step forward to defend the Union. Comprised primarily of first and second generation Irish immigrants, these three regiments were later joined by the 28th Massachusetts and the 116th Pennsylvania. Although many of these Irish men were decidedly anti–Lincoln—blaming the northern abolitionists as much as the southern rebels for the nation’s plight—they worked around their dilemma by pledging their allegiance to their new country and its flag rather than its president. Suffering heavy casualties, this Irish Brigade under the command of Thomas Francis Meagher became one of the most legendary fighting groups of the Civil War. This work provides a balanced, historically factual picture of the Irish Brigade and its commander by re-examining and re-interpreting existing accounts. It presents an unbiased account of the role that the Brigade played in the confrontations, during the Seven Days’ battles, at Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. The author examines the ways in which contemporary sources distorted the historical actualities regarding the Irish Brigade—attempting to write into the annals of legend a story which needed no embellishment—and the tempering effect which chronological distance has produced, resulting in more critical and dispassionate publications. The effect of politics and political manipulation on the Irish regiments is also discussed. Sources range from memoirs published by brigade veterans in the years immediately following the war to letters and memoirs published as recently as 1996.

Thomas Francis Meagher And the Irish Brigade in the Civil War

History

Daniel M. Callaghan

Military

If you went to a big rodeo in the 1940s, you might have seen Gene Autry singing and jumping his horse, Champ, through a flaming hoop. In the same era, familiar rodeo personalities like Hoot Gibson, Texas Rose Bascom, Slim Pickens and Ben Johnson could be seen in movies or television shows. At a rodeo in the 1960s, you might have seen Lorne Greene and Dan Blocker acting out a skit from their hit television show Bonanza. This reference book provides career profiles of both types of performers who crossed over between acting and cowboying in the period from the 1930s to the 1970s, when Hollywood and the rodeo circuit were closely linked. The first part, “Rodeo Personalities with a Hollywood Connection,” traces the careers of notable rodeo stars who also appeared on film or television. The next two sections detail the rodeo appearances of stars better known for their work on the screen (whether small or silver); one of these two sections focuses on performers who tended to appear solo, while the other focuses on famous casts, such as the folks of Bonanza or Gunsmoke. A fourth section alphabetically lists rodeo-related films. Appendices present further information on golden age rodeo personalities, rodeos presenting western stars, and eleven special rodeos distinguished by such features as size, prestige and Western star power.

The Rodeo And Hollywood: Rodeo Cowboys on Screen And Western Actors in the Arena

Humor & Entertainment

Jim Ryan

Movies

Any episode of a crime or mystery series involves some or all of the following: the perpetration of a crime; its investigation; the analytical process which involves the determination of the villain; the arrest and trial of the culprit; and the handing out of the appropriate punishment. Such series involving the exploits of a wide variety of courageous heroes and heroines were very popular during the 1950s, and they featured a host of actors and actresses, including famous television detectives (i.e. Raymond Burr), those famous in other genres (i.e. Boris Karloff, Charles Bronson), and over 250 other players with recurring roles. This reference work lists every player who had a regular role in a crime or mystery series during the early era of television. All covered series offered live or filmed episodes of a crime or mystery nature, and all were shown on American television. All series had either regular stars or a recognizable host. Entries cover the player’s real name, family information and education; how the player originally broke into show business; the player’s career preceding the series; and his or her marriage, children, death date, and film and television credits. Appendices provide a catalog of American mystery series and a list of regular mystery series players whose roles began after December 31, 1959.

Encyclopedia of Early Television Crime Fighters: All Regular Cast Members in American Crime and Mystery Series, 1948ýý1959

Everett Aaker

William Weaks Morris was a writer defined in large measure by his southern roots. A seventh generation Mississippian, he grew up in Yazoo City, close enough to his mother’s family to be frequently reminded of his heritage. Spending his college years at the University of Texas and Oxford University in England gave Morris a taste of the world and, perhaps, a deeper appreciation for his southern birthright. At the very least, these experiences gave him something to write home about. The product of exhaustive research, this volume is a comprehensive reference to Willie Morris’ life and works. It also provides an in-depth literary biography based on hundreds of primary sources such as letters, newspaper articles and interviews. The book’s principal focus, however, is Morris’ literary legacy, which includes works such as North Toward Home, New York Days and My Dog Skip. Two annotated bibliographies—one for Morris’ own writing and one focusing on secondary sources—comprise over 2100 entries. Each entry contains a concise, informative summary of the cited work. A chronology of Willie Morris’ life and career is supplied for easy reference. Exclusive photographs, some provided by the Morris family, and an index are also included.

Willie Morris: An Exhaustive Annotated Bibliography and a Biography

Jack Bales

Literature & Fiction

English painter William Etty (1787-1849) believed women were "God's most glorious work." His determination to present that glorious work in its finest light led to criticism in his day for his choice of nudes as subjects. Today, this nineteenth century painter deserves recognition for his place in the history of English art, a poor boy who struggled against all odds to live his dream as a painter, and who eventually achieved the title of academician at the Royal Academy of Arts. The life of William Etty is thoroughly explored and generously illustrated in this biography. The historical and cultural backdrop for Etty's life and works is studied throughout the book. Chapters detail his family background and childhood, his home in York, his life in London and at the Royal Academy, and his struggles to make a living. His studies in Italy and France and his career as a painter are explored in detail. His work with the York School of Design in the final decade of his life, his place in the fine arts market and his emulators are described. An appendix examines Etty's relationship with his niece Betsy, his caretaker, housekeeper and assistant.

William Etty: The Life and Art

Leonard Robinson

In 1935 Sidney Kingsley’s play about streetwise urban kids, Dead End, opened on Broadway featuring 14 adolescent actors. For two years on Broadway and then on tour, Kingsley’s play delivered its social commentary contrasting affluent neighborhoods and tenement slums on New York City’s East River. The film industry picked up the story and in 1937 released Dead End, which spawned 23 more years of films and serials featuring the Dead End kids and their offshoots, Little Tough Guys, East Side Kids and the Bowery Boys. This chronicle follows the street kids through the many assorted incarnations, shifting casts and studios. First the reader is introduced to how the original play and film came about. A cast list and analysis of each production follows. For the major players, the author provides a biography and filmography, and several of these entries include a tribute from a friend or family member. Brief biographical profiles are given for other actors. Sketches of the “Dead End” revivals of 1978 and 2005 follow.

From Broadway to the Bowery: A History and Filmography of the Dead End Kids, Little Tough Guys, East Side Kids and Bowery Boys Films, with Cast Biographies

Leonard Getz

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