Part of the "Literary Movements" series, this title examines the people, events, and works that defined the literary Romantic era in Great Britain and Ireland from 1775 through the 1830s. An introductory essay summarizes the movement's origins and philosophy. This A-to-Z-format work provides brief biographies, plot summaries, and critical interpretations of both the popular, well-known Romantics and the many often-overlooked, lesser-known writers. Designed to "whet the reader's appetite" for further exploration of this fascinating period and to focus on how closely Romantic writers are connected to their contemporary world, the book offers signed essays on industrialism, the monarchy, the American and French Revolutions, childhood, slavery, and many other topics. Many articles offer suggestions for further reading. Comparing this title to Encyclopedia of the Romantic Era, 1760-1850, edited by C. J. Murray (CH, Jun'04, 41-5628), reveals that the newer volume includes more close analysis of individual works and features a larger number of lesser-known writers, particularly women. Rather than being a substitute, it is best used in conjunction with the Murray title. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. General Readers; Lower-division Undergraduates; Upper-division Undergraduates; Graduate Students; Researchers/Faculty; Professionals/Practitioners. Reviewed by R. B. Meeker.