For general biographical information:
* "Contemporary Authors" - This series provides biographical sketches, bibliographies, and critical assessments of contemporary authors.
* "Dictionary of Literary Biography" - This extensive series offers in-depth biographical essays on authors, often grouped by literary movements or periods.
* "Who's Who" - This biographical dictionary provides information on individuals in various fields, including literature.
* "The Oxford Companion to English Literature" - This comprehensive reference book provides biographical information on key figures in English literature.
* "The Norton Anthology of Literature" - This popular anthology often includes short biographies of the authors whose works are included.
* Online databases like WorldCat, ProQuest, or JSTOR: These databases can help you find articles, books, and other resources that contain information about the author.
For information on specific works:
* "The Complete Works of [Author Name]" - If you're interested in a particular author's complete body of work, look for a collected edition of their writings.
* "The [Author Name] Encyclopedia" - Some authors have dedicated encyclopedias that provide comprehensive information on their life, works, and legacy.
* Scholarly journals and books: Search for articles and books that specifically analyze the author's work or have a section devoted to their writing.
For critical analysis and interpretations:
* "The [Author Name] Companion" - These books offer critical essays and analyses of an author's works, often written by renowned literary scholars.
* "The [Author Name] Handbook" - Similar to companions, these handbooks provide in-depth discussions of an author's themes, techniques, and influences.
* Literary journals and magazines: Look for reviews and essays on the author's work in journals like "The New York Review of Books," "The Times Literary Supplement," or "The London Review of Books."
For finding primary sources:
* "The [Author Name] Archives" - Some authors have dedicated archives that preserve their personal papers, manuscripts, and correspondence.
* University libraries: Many university libraries hold special collections that may contain materials related to the author.
Remember:
* The best resource will depend on the specific information you need.
* Don't forget to check online databases and search engines for relevant articles and books.
* Consider using a librarian or research expert for guidance.
By using these resources, you can gather a wealth of information about your chosen author.