The Walker clan, Vivi and Big Shep; their children Sidda, Little Shep, Lulu, and Baylor; Vivi's long-time girlfriends the Ya-Yas; and neighbors Cheney and Willetta, live out their lives in flamboyant and secretive style in the bayou of Thornton, Louisiana.

Contains biographical and critical essays on the work of important American writers. Presents scholar-signed essays prepared by experts in the field.

Profiles the lives and works of women mystery authors, providing information on their writings, anecdotes, critical opinions, and some of the women's own comments.

Contains 9,000 alphabetical entries including biographical information on authors, composers and artists, 2,000 plot summaries, movements in literature, literary prizes, and articles on literary societies.

The most comprehensive jazz reference work ever published, featuring articles by the world's leading experts in jazz.

Entries for 4,500 composers, 2,000 terms, 1,100 performers, 1,000 titles of musical works, and 150 work-lists for major composers.

Contains over 160 articles that provide information about some of the most significant musical developments and performers of the twentieth century, covering genres, forms, technical advances, national styles, and individuals; arranged alphabetically from Abba to Genesis.

A guide to English literature, including special survey articles exploring key concepts (such as Structuralism and Modernism), genres (such as Science Fiction and Biography) , and evolving traditions (including Black British Literature and Post-Colonial Literature). Topics ranging from comic strips and children's literature to the Beat Generation and Saussurean linguistics are examined in detail, as well as the influences--Classical, European, and...