(Westport: Greenwood Press, 2001)
ISBN: 0-313-31147-1

While women have been writing in the Catholic tradition since the very beginnings, no single volume has brought together scholarly, critical evaluations of their works. This first reference volume of its kind, Catholic Women Writers, edited by Dr. Reichardt, provides entries on 64 Catholic women writers from around the world and through the centuries. Each of the entries is written by a recognized contributor -- including Collegium alumnae Kristina Chew ('00) and Jeffery Zalar ('00) -- and includes a biography of the author, a critical discussion of her thought and works, an overview of her critical reception, and finally a bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

The volume covers all genres of writing, including fiction, autobiography, poetry, children's literature, and essays. Special attention is given to the authors' use of Catholic themes, structures, traditions, culture, and spirituality. Discussions range from Doctors of the Church and mystics and visionaries to those women writers who employ Catholic themes primarily in historical and cultural contexts as well as those who critique the tradition. Each entry begins with an introductory essay which places the writers within the historical and literary contexts of women's writing in the Catholic tradition. The volume includes a selected, general bibliography. For those searching for an excellent reference source on women authors within the Catholic tradition, Catholic Women Writers promises to be an exceptionally valuable tool and guide.

To order Catholic Women Writers, contact the Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc., 88 Post Road West, P.O. Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007, telephone (203) 226-3571, fax (203) 222-1502, web http://www.greenwood.com. -- Harriet A. Luckman