Encyclopedia of Catholic literature

• Other Authors: Reichardt, Mary R
• Format: Unknown
• Language: English
• Published: Westport, Conn. Greenwood Press 2004
• Subjects: Catholic literature > History and criticism; Catholic literature > Bio-bibliography > Dictionaries
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.
• Physical Description: 2 v. (xxix, 842) pages 26 cm
• Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references and index
• ISBN: 9780313322891; 0313328021 (v. 1 : alk. paper); 031332803X (v. 2 : alk. paper)

The Roman Catholic faith has inspired some of the world's greatest creative works and has been a powerful force in history from the Roman Empire to the present. Catholic writers reflect their heritage in their works, and generations of readers have continued to appreciate the Catholic literary tradition. Many works by Catholic writers hold a high place in the literary canon and have exerted a tremendous cultural and political influence. Still others continue to be widely read by contemporary readers and quietly shape modern society. Some works, too, reflect the conflicts of the Catholic Church in the 21st century and capture the struggles of individual Catholics in a secular society. This encyclopedia covers the vast riches of the Catholic literary tradition from its origins to the present day.