Biographical sources can be articles about a person, or entries in
a dictionary or other book, as well as books about a specific person. These were the most readable that I
found at this library.
Krstovic, J. (Ed.) (1994, 1999). Hispanic Literature
Criticism. Detroit, MI: Gale Research. [Call Number REF PQ7081.A1 H573 1994, 1999] This
two volume set, plus two more volumes of supplements, has short biographies, as well as bibliographies and literary criticism
about Iberian and Iberio-American writers. It includes other major figures such as Fidel Castro, theologians, and educators. It
may be a good source for Freshman and Sophmore papers.
Marting, D. (Ed.) (1990). Spanish American Women
Writers. New York: Greenwood Press [Call Number both REF and MAIN Z1609.L7 S6 1990]
Each of 50 essays provide biographical, analytical, and career description, surveys criticism, and ends with a detailed
bibliography of works by and about the writer. It covers from the 17th century to the the late 1980's, most Hispanic
American nations, and multiple literary genres. (Review adapted from that on Amazon.)
Meyer, N. (2001). Biographical Dictionary
of Hispanic Americans (2nd ed). NY: Facts on File, Inc. [Call Number REF E184.S75 M49 2001]
This one covers singers Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin as well as other Hispanic Americans who have contributied to American
culture, popular or otherwise. There are about 250 entries of aproximately a page each, plus pictures.
Ryan, B. (Ed.) (1991). Hispanic Writers:
A Selection of Sketches from Contemporary Authors. Detroit, MI: Gale Research. [Call Number
PQ7081.3.H58 1991] The large set of books from which this is taken is one of the most used for student papers on authors.
Schon, I. (Ed.) (1994). Contemporary Spanish-Speaking
Writers and Illustrators for Children and Young Adults. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. [Call
Number REF PQ7082.C48 C66 1994] This is an example of a biographical dictionary. The editor appears
to be one of the leading selectors of Hispanic books for libraries so this title may be especially good for Education
majors.
Sinnot, S. (1991). Extraordinary Hispanic
Americans. Chicago, IL: Childrens Press. [Call Number REF E184.S75 S55 1991] Covers minor Spanish
explorers and biographies of other Hispanics who helped shape America. Labeled for grades 5 -10 but fine for
college undergraduates.
Unterburger, A. (1992). Who's Who Among Hispanic
Americans, 1992-93. Detroit, MI: Gale Research. [Call Number REF #184.S75 W5 1992] This
is the Hispanic version of the standard reference book. Being entered here may be more important that the biography.
It is often worth checking other sources for a complete biography.
