THE BEST BOOKS OF THE DECADE

by Asa Don compiler Dickinson ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Dr. Dickinson is known particularly in the library field, through his 1000 Best Books and Best Books Of Our Times. Now comes the third volume, bringing his selective lists up to date, 1926-1936. These books are selected by consensus of expert opinion for the intelligent American readers. 102 lists were consulted, each title was given a score and the age of the book was taken into consideration to balance the score. 400 titles were included, with brief biographical notes and pertinent comments on the books selected. Other summaries included -- favorite authors, 50 best books, 20 best American books, 10 English, 10 foreign; similar listings for fiction; 8 best in psychology, ethic, religion; 25 in social sciences; 19 in science; 10 on arts; 15 in field of belles letters; the best poetry, plays, essays, travel books, biographies, history and archeology, reference works, and so on. Under publisher analyses it was shown that 14 publishers issued 75% of the 400 books, with Macmillan leading, and Harcourt and Doubleday next. In the 400 selections, the preponderance of American books was quite astonishing. Notable omissions few -- one wondered why The Mutiny on the Bounty failed to classify when its two sequels were included and all came within the time limit. But all in all, it is a useful compendium of information, for quick reference.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Wilson

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1937

Categories: NONFICTION