Thoughtfully produced and representative of the main streams of writing on all the continents, this 6-volume work offers plot summaries and analysis of works by adult, young adult, and children's writers worldwide (excluding the US, the subject of their own volume). First published in 1993 (with a supplement in 1995) by Marshall Cavendish, this revised edition contains entries on 87 new authors, bringing the total to 380, with a focus on increasing the number of women writers and writers for children and young adults--yes, they added J.K. Rowling. Also new is a sidebar concluding each entry offering discussion questions. The entries offer an initial description of the author and his or her work, followed by individual entries for selected works that present plot summaries and straightforward literary analysis of issues of plot and character. Bibliographies and lists of awards are included. 71 of the original essays were substantially revised. The volumes are well illustrated with author's portraits and photos of the book jackets. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)