John Fowles: A Reference Companion, (Hardcover)

John Fowles, best known as the author of The French Lieutenant's Woman, has also written numerous other works--fiction as well as nonfiction. This unique reference book by James R. Aubrey lists all of Fowles's writings for the first time. It also provides a detailed biography, criticism of his work from the perspective of various disciplines, explanatory notes, a census of characters, and a comprehensive bibliography.

Aubrey begins with a biography of Fowles, based on information from his writings, published and personal interviews, and correspondence. This section also includes several photographs. The next section discusses Fowles's lesser-known nonfiction work by genre--philosophy, autobiography, biography, translations, book reviews, literary and visual-art criticism, history, and social commentary. Aubrey then pulls together the fiction of John Fowles in the order it was published. For each novel or short story Aubrey provides a description of the circumstances and process of composition, summarization, discussion of its public reception, and critiques of the film, television, or stage adaptations. Critical approaches to Fowles's fiction are covered next: biographical, psychological, post-structuralist, historicist, feminist, reader-response, and formalist. The notes, census of characters, and extensive bibliography complete this reference companion. Aubrey's book will be useful for those studying Fowles and his work, and will be an excellent addition to public and academic libraries.