Women of Words: A Personal Introduction to Thirty-Five Important Writers - Hardcover

With a brief biographical vignette, Bukovinsky introduces each of the 35 writers included in this compilation of literary gems by women. The selections are tantalizing morsels drawn from each writer's entire output. Among the excerpts are a few surprises, but, primarily, such eminent works as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the short stories of Flannery O'Connor, and Edith Sitwell's poetry predominate. A selection from the novel Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys embodies what Bukovinsky so aptly describes as the "shabby souled women" who populate the writer's emotionally chilling novels. And lending a graceful embellishment to this respectable addition to women's studies collections--one that should help acquaint readers with a wide range of writers--are Jenny Powell's lyrical portrait illustrations. Alice Joyce

Thirty-five important writers are covered in an excellent anthology which blends biographies with literary reviews. This blend of critical review of authors' works and survey of womens' lives makes for an intriguing portrait of each significant female writer. -- Midwest Book Review