This reference volume assembles thousands of author entries, offering concise biographical sketches, bibliographic information, and dates when available, together with clarifications of editorial methods and classification principles distinguishing poets from other verse-writers. A substantial supplement adds many names and expanded entries, and the preface explains sources, correspondence efforts, and corrections made in the revised edition. Abbreviated publisher listings and editorial notes on spelling and title reproduction aid readers seeking publication details and concise background on American literary figures.