28 inCite May 1995

W ho w rites l i k e ?

nyone who has worked in ing of writers within each of 14 plain this), and Tim Winton (pre­ a public library will be fa­ genres, a list of recent winners sumably his burgeoning popularity A miliar with the question (since 1970) of 25 literary awards, in Britain will see him included in ‘who else writes like...?’ There are and a descriptive bibliography of the next edition). a number of fiction guides avail­ similar guides. The book was compiled by able to assist librarians answer this The book makes no attempt at Roy Huse, who was asked ‘who question and this British publica­ critical judgement and gives no in­ else writes like....?’ uncountable tion is a handy addition. formation beyond the authors times during his 46 years as a pub­ It lists alphabetically 1058 nov­ name and genre and it suggests no lic librarian. It updates the 1985 elists and suggests from 2 to 20 titles. It is strictly a book of lists. publication A readers guide to fic ­ like minded authors for each. It As such, though, it should prove a tion and concentrates predomi­ also contains an alphabetical list- boon to public librarians and fic­ nantly on universally popular tion readers everywhere. authors. Inevitably some of the names It is a simple but effective tool, linked together could be ques­ highly recommended for all public Children's tioned, but for those on the periph­ libraries. ery of ‘likeness’ inclusion seems a Huse, Roy, Ed and Comp. book better policy than exclusion. Who else writes like...?: A readers A number of Australian au­ guide to fiction authors. L oughbor­ catalogue thors are listed, those one would ough: Loughborough University expect such as Thomas Keneally, of Technology, 1993. 256 pp. Patrick White and Peter Carey £16.95. ISBN 0 9488448 47 2. ■ oan Butler was head of Hertford- and others like Rodney Hall and Available from LISU, Loughbor­ I shire Children’s service from 1948- David Malouf whose critical laud­ ough University of Technology, ■ 1975. She catalogued a collection of ing has not been reflected in sales Loughborough, Leicestershire, aiscarded ‘last copies’ and a number of (or borrowings). Perhaps the most LE11 3TU; Askews; T C Larries; early children’s books purchased by the li­ notable Australian omissions are Holt-Jackson; JMLS; and Morley brary. The period covered by the collec­ Christina Stead (the stated con­ Books. tion, on view in Hatfield, is late 19th temporary focus could partly ex- Andrew McConville century to early 1960’s. This catalogue covers the years 1920- 1944. The contents are categorised into sections such as fables, books of religious For all your Library and NEWSPAPERS study, fiction, periodicals and annuals. Information Service needs.... Each section is in alphabetical order, by WANTED author. It is indexed by name and title. It • Library staff placement • Bound volumes or single is a small book, attractively presented, • Information research _ issues 1840 to 1980, f ' T includinq overseas titles with an occasional black and white draw­ • ABN training courses • Library Management The « Sun UR 6/ew York Times] ing. There are 1361 entries. m ' ’<>*< * Also popular MAGAZINES On browsing through one finds many When quality and service count. "PHOTOPLAYER (e.g. Life, Look, Women’s childhood favourites to remember. How­ Weekly, etc.) to 1970 ever, reflecting the period, one title found was Little wars: a game for boys from twelve PAPER WORLD years ... and for that more intelligent sort of Ph & Fax: Aian Waters (03) 826 8866 girls who like boys’ games and books. (Member of the Ephemera Society of Australia) Adelaide Ph: (08) 361 2288 Located in Chapel Street Bazaar: One of the annotations refers to The Melbourne Ph: (03)820 1371 217 Chapel Street, Prahran, Vic 3181 marvellous land of Smergs by Wyke Smith. Australia Wide Ph: 1800 800 799 We’re told it was one of Tolkiens favour­ ites and influenced his conception of the Hobbit. More of these annotations would improve the appeal of the catalogue. WHEN YOU WANT The catalogue would be of interest to s s K w e s ! specialists in children’s literature. Money from the sale of the catalogue will be used to improve arrangement of the collection. The past is present: Catalogue of the Joan Butler collection of Children’s books, 1920-1944 in the Hertfordshire Li­ i t hb vy Z7 pe n iit f h braries Arts and Information Service. Hatfield: The Butler Family in conjunc­ Contact your fellow librarians at LibraryStaff tion with HLAI, 1994 116pp ISBN 0- for all your temporary & permanent staffing needs. 901354-76-7 (Review copy supplied by Hertfordshire County Council). Sydney (02) 413 2555 or Canberra 1800 066 642 Keny Doblo LIBRARYST AFF - A DIVISION OF ZENITH MANAGEMENT SERVICES GROUP