The
    Midwest Quarterly

Format of the Review

All book review manuscripts submitted for possible publication should conform to the following specifications and should not exceed 1,000 words in length, unless pre-approved by the Book Review Editor.

1. The review should be double-spaced including the initial bibliographic information.
2. Margins should be set at 1.5 inches on the left and 1.0 inches on the right. Please use a 12 point font.
3. Abbreviations should not be used except for certain bibliographic information.
4. Begin the review by citing the book’s bibliographic information in the following format:
   title of the book (italicized), author’s name, location of publisher, publisher’s name, year of publication, number of pages (and other pertinent content information), and the price of the book.
   
   Please note the required punctuation in this example:
   
   Geography and the Human Spirit, by Anne Buttimer. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983. xiv and 285 pp., maps, diagrs., photos, notes, appendices, and index. $39.95 cloth.
   
   
5. Following the text of the review, list up to four key words that identify the book.
6. Complete the review by listing the reviewer’s name and affiliation (right-side justified).
   
   Example:
                                         —Tim Bailey, Pittsburg State University
   
   
7. Finally, attach a cover sheet that includes your name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. Please include a short biographical sketch to be included near the front of the issue of approximately 50 words.
8. Please send one hard copy and one digital copy either as an email attachment or on diskette (MS Word, WordPerfect, or ASCII text) to Tim Bailey, Book Review Editor, Department of Social Sciences, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg KS 66762-7531.
9. Please direct all communications concerning reviews to the Book Review Editor at the address listed above or through email to tbailey@pittstate.edu.

Content of the Review

In an effort to pursue consistency in review format, it is preferred that the content of the review manuscript has three identifiable elements: description, analysis, and appraisal. Please reflect on the points listed below.

Description
First, it is appropriate to describe the book thoroughly: the subject matter, the length, the contents, etc. The aim is to provide the reader with enough information to be able to conceptualize the book’s subject, depth, and tone.

For example, consider addressing the following:

• Who is the target audience: beginning professionals, general public, undergraduate students, experts in the field, or others?
• What are the character and quality of the supplemental materials, including diagrams, photos, index, etc.?
• Where does the work fit within the current streams of discourse in the discipline in question?

Analysis
Second, it is helpful to analyze the book’s utility on the author’s terms. All authors deserve a fair and appreciative analysis. Consider discussing the best use of the book, the functions it can perform for the reader and what contribution it makes to pedagogy or knowledge. This is one way to identify its strengths.

After exposing its utility, please consider its weaknesses. In fairness to the author, this reflection also should stay within the terms of the author’s objectives. Setting the stage with a fair analysis provides a workable platform to discuss the defects or shortfalls.

When criticizing, be explicit, fair and honest. It is helpful to cite specific examples so that the reader can judge. Please avoid vague, derogatory remarks. Stick to the content of the book; focusing on the author or discussing your ideas about the subject matter create a less than desirable review.

Appraisal
Third, appraise the book, drawing from your expertise in the field. Evaluate the contribution the book makes to the author’s body of work. If possible, evaluate the contribution the book makes to contemporary poetry at large (locally, regionally, nationally, etc.), particularly if the book seems to break new ground. Following such rational comparison you are most welcome to issue a personal judgement. Please be certain to make clear the basis for your position.

Finally, a general appraisal of the book’s impact (versus alternative books) can be made, if desired. If you choose to do so, again, be explicit and explain the rationale of your position.

The Midwest Quarterly: A Journal of Contemporary Thought prides itself on being a suitable venue for a variety of disciplines in the humanities, arts and social sciences. Given the diverse readership, it is important to remember that your review will be read by non-specialists. Therefore, it should be inclusive with terms defined, jargon avoided, and no assumptions made with respect to bibliographic or icon familiarity.

                                                    —Tim Bailey, Book Review Editor

Book reviews and related questions should be sent to:
Dr. Tim Bailey, Book Review Editor
The Midwest Quarterly
Social Sciences Department
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762

Telephone:  (620) 235-4325 
FAX:  (620) 235-4686 
E-mail: tbailey@pittstate.edu