While online databases are wonderful for finding more recent articles, most older material, and much of the specialized material from European journals, will be only indexed in print indexes. Be sure to check them as well, as needed. Bibliographie der französischen Sprach-und-Literaturewissenschaft. (the "Klapp").
The best source for French language books, articles, and theses. Each volume has a section on individual time periods, plus one on generalities and French literature outside France. A bit cumbersome; you have to search a volume for each year, but well worth the effort. Many resources not in any database. General Reference: Z 2171.B56 (1956-present) Critical bibliography of French literature: The Medieval Period, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th centuries. (separate volumes for each time period)
An invaluable selective annotated bibliography, each section complied by a specialist. References to books, articles, and dissertations are included for each writer analyzed. General Reference: Z 2171 .C74 Bibliographie de la littérature française du 16e, 17e, et 18e siècles. A. Cioranescu. (separate volumes for each time period)
Lists works written, as well as Études for most writers. For major writers, such as Ronsard, Voltaire, and Racine the Études section is vast and quite detailed. First part of the volume has a section listing works on the literary history of the period. General Reference: Z 2172 .C48
Manuel bibliographique de la littérature française moderne XVIe, XVIIe, XVIIIe, et XIXe siècle. G. Lanson.
An ambitious undertaking, the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in two large volumes. The one large volume includes all 5 parts. Very useful organization by subjects: consult the Table des matières. The citations tend to be very brief, but it does provide access to obscure works and little known authors. D Level: Z 2171 .L22 1921a
The year's work in modern language studies. Critically assess major articles, books and new editions. Better coverage of English language than French language publications. Very useful introduction to recent secondary literature. General Reference: Current edition PB 1 .Y45 D Level 1975-2002: Blue Labels PB 1 .Y45 Libraries Service Center 1929-1974: PD 1 .Y39
For a compete listing of indexes, see Guide to Research in French Literature: Secondary Literature. (Note: PDF file requires Adobe Acrobat.) Image courtesy of Sims Reed |