(3) YA This detailed biography of the Nobel Prize–winning author--filled with captioned photographs--tracks Faulkner from his childhood and poetry-writing days to his Hollywood years and time as a university writer-in-residence. Hamblin skillfully draws a parallel between Faulkner's life and literary achievements and his novels' dominant theme of endurance. An accessible resource for both literature enthusiasts and report writers. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) YA Understanding Literature series. These accessible author studies explore the biographical and historical factors that influenced O'Neill's plays or Faulkner's fiction. Each title includes a synopsis of the subject's life and brief critical analysis of selected works. Though dry, the books provide solid background for understanding some American literary classics. A few photographs help break up the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding Literature titles: A Student's Guide to Eugene O'Neill and A Student's Guide to William Faulkner.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute