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There are two ways to search for an author. One is with a simple name search, the other is with to search using Biographical Facts.

Name Search
When adding an author's name in the search box, you will have a number of retrieval options. One option is retrieving only biographical information on the author of choice, or see everything we have on your author of choice, including criticisms, plot summaries, texts of poems or plays, and more.

The Author name search enables you to search on a complete name or any word or combination of words known to be part of a person's name. Variant names and pseudonyms used by an individual are also searchable. An added feature now allows you to browse a list of author names to assist you in your search. You may search for a person by selecting Name contains or Start of last name.

Searching by Name contains allows you to key a full name or any word or combination of words known to be part of the person's name.

Searching by the Start of last name will yield less precise results than searching by a first and last name. For example, searching on bon will return a results list that contains Sonny Bono, as well as Bonaventure, Surya Bonaly, Bobby Bonilla, and many others. Matching variant names and pseudonyms should return the person's full name in the results list. If only one name is found to match your criteria, the application will take you directly to the main tabbed results page for that name.

If you are not sure of the author's name, you can look for the name by browsing the "View Author Names" link. To access the list, simply select the "View Author Names" link below the name text box. A screen will appear with an alphabetical list of letters and a list of names. Select the type of results you want: (Biographies only or all results). Select the letter you want and a new screen will appear with that letter and a new list of author names starting with the letter of your choice. Select a name, and the name will be added to the search box automatically. Select search and you will receive your results.

Another way to search for types of authors is to fill in as many of the other search fields as you like. Below are descriptions of Author Search fields. This will give you a more targeted search, but it will also restrict your search to our most studied authors.

Name
Enables you to search on a complete name or any word or combination of words known to be part of a person's name. Variant names and pseudonyms used by an individual are also searchable.

Nationality
Enables you to find authors based on their birth or citizenship in a particular nation or country. For individuals who were born in one country and later became citizens of another, multiple nationalities have been identified. To make several selections from the Nationality list box, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the items that interest you.

Ethnicity
Enables you to find authors based on their membership in a group that shares a common language, culture, customs, or background. To make several selections from the Ethnicity list box, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the items that interest you.

Gender
Enables you to find individuals based on their gender. Click on the arrow next to the drop down menu to specify Male or Female.

Birth Year and Death Year
Enables you to search for authors based on the year of their birth or death. You may search for birth and death dates:

in a specific year by selecting is from the drop down menu and entering a year

between a range of years by selecting is from the drop down menu and entering two years separated by a hyphen

before a certain year by selecting is before from the drop down menu and entering a year

after a certain year by selecting is after from the drop down menu and entering a year

Birth Place and Death Place
Enables you to search for authors based on the city, state or country wherein they were born or died. Within the Birth Place and Death Place fields, use a word or phrase. When searching by state, enter any known forms of the state name for best results.

Genre
Enables you to find authors based on the type of literature that they create. To make several selections from the Genre list box, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the genres that interest you.

Literary Movement/Time Period
Enables you to find authors based on the literary movement(s) to which they belong or the major time period(s) in which they have written. To make several selections from the Literary Movement/Time Period list box, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the items that interest you.

Theme
The Literary Themes Search enables you to find authors based on the types of literary themes that are generally associated with their work. To make several selections from the Literary Themes list box, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the items that interest you.