With content ranging from 23rd-century-BCE pyramid texts to award-winning fantasy authors in 2023, Stroud’s second edition of Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature is a worthy sequel to Brian Stableford’s first edition (CH, Mar'06, 43-3754). The present edition includes some 200 entries on terms, subgenres, and imagery relevant to fantasy literature. No work can be exhaustive, and Stroud took great care in selecting authors of historical significance and contemporary authors energizing the fantasy genre. Terms were included based on the frequency of their usage in criticism. Like many works on fantasy, this historical dictionary focuses primarily on American and Western European authors and works. However, Stroud does attempt to broaden the base of fantasy literature and include non-Western authors and origins. Readers may not always agree with the selections, but this reviewer was impressed by the volume's scope. In addition to the care he took in selection, Stroud curated each entry to serve as a starting point for future research. Selected titles included in various entries as well as an extensive bibliography serve as points for additional research. Words in bold throughout cross-reference other entries, and the extensive opening chronology helps draw connections between individual works and their place in history. Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers.

Choice Reviews

Fantasy literature, i.e., literature of the impossible, has captured the imagination of readers since ancient Egypt, as noted in this dictionary’s 24-page chronology, updated for this second edition. In his introduction, Stroud mentions that this edition widens the field to include more works outside the U.S. and Europe and digs into fantasy's roots in oral tradition and religious texts, along with links to other literatures... Stroud stipulates that the list is not exhaustive; he focuses on formative historical and contemporary writers, providing basic information on the subject's work. Genres and concepts addressed reflect their popularity or significance. The alphabetically arranged entries range in length from three lines to three pages, with cross-references. An extensive bibliography, arranged thematically, concludes the volume; no index or categorization is included. The writing is clear and authoritative without being pedantic, reflecting Stroud’s extensive background in the field, particularly in Britain. As such, readers will find this reference work to be a useful starting point for research on fantasy literature.”

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