Undergraduate Research Guide: Book Reviews
Return to listing of all Research Guides.
Scope
This Research Guide will assist you in finding book reviews. Often a book review appears in a journal, magazine, or newspaper shortly after the book's publication.
Overview
Book reviews are published in a number of places, including popular magazines (e.g. Time), scholarly journals (e.g. Journal of African History), book review periodicals (e.g. New York Times Book Review) and newspapers. You can find book reviews by consulting periodical indexes and special book review indexes, as well as book review Web sites. The subject matter can often determine where a book review is indexed. For example, reviews of fiction books and books targeting a general reader may be found in sources that index general interest periodicals, while books written on specific subjects may be included in sources that index scholarly, or academic publications.
To begin searching for a book review, it is helpful to know the title of the book, the author's name, and the book's publication year. It is also helpful to know a bit about the subject of the book to help you consult the appropriate index.
This reference database provides citations to find reviews of books.
Book Review Digest Plus 1983 - to date (updated monthly)
Book Review Digest Plus provides citation information, excerpts, or full-text for reviews of more than 500,000 fiction, nonfiction, social science and general science books.
General Interest Book Review Sources
Please note that the following sources also cover many of the subject-specific fields.
Booklist--
College Library Reference Desk (latest year)
College Library Reference Desk (latest year)
Library Journal--
College Library Reference Desk (latest year)
Recommended Databases:
Academic Search 1984 - to date (updated daily)
This library database indexes approximately 3,100 popular magazines and academic journals and provides the full-text articles from approximately 1,000 journals. Basic instructions for Academic Search
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and select "Keyword" button underneath the "Advanced Search" tab. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
Books in Print Current (updated weekly)
This database consists of bibliographic records of 3.2 million books, 330,000 videos, and 120,000 audiocassettes. It features more than 600,000 full-text book reviews from twelve leading sources, including Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, and School Library Journal. Books in Print covers books currently in print and titles about to-be-published as far as six months in advance, as well as information on 1.3 million out of print titles. Basic instructions for Books in Print.
To search for book reviews select "Advanced Search," under "Search on" select "Title (exact)" for title and "Author/Contributor" for author. Then under "Limit Results" select "Any Source" under "Reviewed in," then click on "Search." The stars next to the title indicate there are brief full-text book reviews of the book, select the "Title Reviews" tab to view the book reviews. In addition, at the bottom of the page there is often a list of review citations for the book.
Essay & General Literature Index 1985 - to date (updated annually)
The Essay & General Literature Index indexes chapters in more than 300 English language essay collections and anthologies annually. Both humanities and social sciences topics are covered, including economics, political science, history, philosophy, religion, and criticism of literary works, drama, and film. There are no abstracts. Basic instructions for Essay & General Literature Index
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type the title of the book and choose "Title" from the drop down menu. In the Document Type drop down menu, choose "Book Review.
Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe Dates Vary (updated daily)
Contains the full-text articles from U.S. and international newspapers (including the New York Times, June 1980 - to date), as well as some news and business magazines and trade journals. The truncation symbol is an exclamation point (!). Basic instructions for Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe
To search for book reviews select "News," then select "General News" then choose either "Major Newspapers" or "Magazines and Journals". In the headline box type "book review" and in the next box enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Full text".
ProQuest Newspapers Dates Vary (updated weekly)
Indexes articles from 41 national and Wisconsin newspapers; includes full text for most. The truncation symbol is a question mark (?). Basic instructions for ProQuest Newspapers
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the fist box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
ProQuest Research Library 1988 - to date (updated daily)
Indexes over 2,000 general-interest and academic journals. Nearly 1,000 periodicals are full-text. Dates vary, but many full-text journals go back to 1988. Basic instructions for ProQuest Research Library
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
Readers' Guide Full Text and Retrospective 1890 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes 240 popular magazines in a wide range of subject areas. Full-text coverage of 131 titles begins with 1994. Basic instructions for Readers' Guide Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Books Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Subject-Specific Book Review Sources:
Art and Humanities Book Reviews
Recommended Databases:
Academic Search 1984 - to date (updated daily)
This library database indexes approximately 3,100 popular magazines and academic journals and provides the full-text articles from approximately 1,000 journals. Basic instructions for Academic Search
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and select "Keyword" button underneath the "Advanced Search" tab. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
America: History and Life 1964 - to date (updated monthly)
America: History and Life indexes and abstracts more than 1700 social science and humanities journals in the field of United States and Canadian history. Links to full-text articles are included when available. Books and dissertations are included. Basic Instructions for America: History and Life
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Enter the author's name or title of the book under "Keywords," placing the title in quotation marks. Under "Document Type" enter "Book Review," and then click on "Search."
Art Full Text 1984 - to date (updated monthly)
Art Full Text indexes approximately 300 key English and foreign-language periodicals, yearbooks, and museum bulletins. Basic instructions for Art Abstracts
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Humanities Full Text 1984 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes 400 scholarly journals on archaeology, classical studies, art, film, folklore, history, journalism, linguistics, literature, music, performing arts, philosophy and religion. Basic instructions for Humanities Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Literature Resource Center 20th Century (updated continuously)
Literature Resource Center includes information on a large number of authors and literary works taken from Contemporary Authors, Dictionary of Literary Biography, Contemporary Literary Criticism, and other sources. In addition to biographical information, LRC includes full-text articles from more than 130 literary journals, a dictionary of literary terms, and links to 5,000 relevant Web sites and special collections. Basic instructions for Literature Resource Center
To search for book reviews select either the "Author" or "Title" search option. If you have chosen "Author," to view book reviews click on "Literary Criticism, Articles, and Work Overviews" after completing your search.
ProQuest Research Library 1988 - to date (updated daily)
Indexes over 2,000 general-interest and academic journals. Nearly 1,000 periodicals are full-text. Dates vary, but many full-text journals go back to 1988. Basic instructions for ProQuest Research Library
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
Readers' Guide Full Text and Retrospective 1890 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes 240 popular magazines in a wide range of subject areas. Full-text coverage of 131 titles begins with 1994. Basic instructions for Readers' Guide Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Books Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Business Book Reviews
Recommended Databases:ABI/Inform 1971 - to date (updated daily)
ABI/Inform indexes and abstracts articles from more than 1300 scholarly and trade business periodicals. Popular journals such as Forbes, Fortune, and Business Week are also included. The Web version, ABI/INFORM Global, provides full-text articles from more than 600 of the journals from 1992 to the present. It is an excellent source of information on management techniques, corporate strategies, trends, and business conditions. Basic instructions for ABI/Inform
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
Academic Search 1984 - to date (updated daily)
This library database indexes approximately 3,100 popular magazines and academic journals and provides the full-text articles from approximately 1,000 journals. Basic instructions for Academic Search
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and select "Keyword" button underneath the "Advanced Search" tab. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
Business Full Text 1982 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes 400 key business periodicals, including trade magazines and scholarly journals, covering all aspects of business. Basic instructions for Business Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Business Source Elite 1984 - to date (updated daily)
Contains a full-text database of more than 900 business journals plus an indexing and abstracting database of approximately 1,570 scholarly and popular journals. The database covers many areas of business including management, economics, finance, banking and accounting. Basic instructions for Business Source Elite
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and search by keywords. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe Dates Vary (updated daily)
Contains the full-text articles from U.S. and international newspapers (including the New York Times, June 1980 - to date), as well as some news and business magazines and trade journals. The truncation symbol is an exclamation point (!). Basic instructions for Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe
To search for book reviews select "News," then select "General News" then choose either "Major Newspapers" or "Magazines and Journals". In the headline box type "book review" and in the next box enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Full text".
ProQuest Newspapers Dates Vary (updated weekly)
Indexes articles from 41 national and Wisconsin newspapers; includes full text for most. The truncation symbol is a question mark (?). Basic instructions for ProQuest Newspapers
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the fist box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
ProQuest Research Library 1988 - to date (updated daily)
Indexes over 2,000 general-interest and academic journals. Nearly 1,000 periodicals are full-text. Dates vary, but many full-text journals go back to 1988. Basic instructions for ProQuest Research Library
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
Readers' Guide Full Text and Retrospective 1890 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes 240 popular magazines in a wide range of subject areas. Full-text coverage of 131 titles begins with 1994. Basic instructions for Readers' Guide Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Books Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Health and Science Book Reviews
Recommended Databases:Academic Search 1984 - to date (updated daily)
This library database indexes approximately 3,100 popular magazines and academic journals and provides the full-text articles from approximately 1,000 journals. Basic instructions for Academic Search
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and select "Keyword" button underneath the "Advanced Search" tab. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
Applied Science and Technology Abstracts 1983 - to date (updated quarterly)
The Applied Science and Technology Abstracts covers more than 400 English language scholarly and trade journals in the general fields of engineering, computers, chemistry, applied mathematics, energy, and a wide variety of applied sciences. Basic instructions for Applied Science and Technology Abstracts
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Biological and Agricultural Index 1983 - to date (updated monthly)
Contains citations to articles, book reviews, symposia, conference papers, and selected letters to the editor in more than 266 English-language periodicals on biology and agriculture. Basic instructions for Biological and Agricultural Index
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
General Science Full Text 1984 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes 150 popular and scholarly periodicals, as well as the Science section of the New York Times. Subjects include biology, chemistry, earth sciences, environment, nutrition, genetics, medicine and health. Basic instructions for General Science Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Health and Wellness Resource Center 1994 - to date (updated daily)
Provides health information for nursing and allied health students, as well as consumer health research. It offers full text for more than 150 periodicals, six reference books, and over 500 pamphlets.
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Enter the author or title of the book, placing the book tile in quotation marks. Enter "Book Reviews" in the next field and search for both as"Keyword."
ProQuest Research Library 1988 - to date (updated daily)
Indexes over 2,000 general-interest and academic journals. Nearly 1,000 periodicals are full-text. Dates vary, but many full-text journals go back to 1988. Basic instructions for ProQuest Research Library
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
Law and Politics Book Reviews
Recommended Databases:Academic Search 1984 - to date (updated daily)
This library database indexes approximately 3,100 popular magazines and academic journals and provides the full-text articles from approximately 1,000 journals. Basic instructions for Academic Search
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and select "Keyword" button underneath the "Advanced Search" tab. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
Ethnic NewsWatch 1960 - to date (updated monthly)
A full-text collection of more than 200 newspapers, magazines and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press. Basic instructions for Ethnic Newswatch
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Under "Type of Article" choose "Book Review" from the drop down menu. Enter the title or author under "Words in Articles," placing the title in quotation marks, then click on "Submit Search."
GenderWatch 1980 - to date (updated quarterly)
A women's and gender issues database with full-text coverage of most journals. Basic instructions for GenderWatch
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Under "Type of Article" choose "Book Review" from the drop down menu. Enter the title or author under "Words in Articles," placing the title in quotation marks, then click on "Submit Search."
Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe Dates Vary (updated daily)
Contains the full-text articles from U.S. and international newspapers (including the New York Times, June 1980 - to date), as well as some news and business magazines and trade journals. The truncation symbol is an exclamation point (!). Basic instructions for Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe
To search for book reviews select "News," then select "General News" then choose either "Major Newspapers" or "Magazines and Journals". In the headline box type "book review" and in the next box enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Full text".
ProQuest Newspapers Dates Vary (updated weekly)
Indexes articles from 41 national and Wisconsin newspapers; includes full text for most. The truncation symbol is a question mark (?). Basic instructions for ProQuest Newspapers
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Under "Type of Article" choose "Book Review" from the drop down menu. Enter the title or author under "Words in Articles," placing the title in quotation marks, then click on "Submit Search."
ProQuest Research Library 1988 - to date (updated daily)
Indexes over 2,000 general-interest and academic journals. Nearly 1,000 periodicals are full-text. Dates vary, but many full-text journals go back to 1988. Basic instructions for ProQuest Research Library
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Under "Type of Article" choose "Book Review" from the drop down menu. Enter the title or author under "Words in Articles," placing the title in quotation marks, then click on "Submit Search."
Social Science and Education Book Reviews
Recommended Databases:Academic Search 1984 - to date (updated daily)
This library database indexes approximately 3,100 popular magazines and academic journals and provides the full-text articles from approximately 1,000 journals. Basic instructions for Academic Search
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and select "Keyword" button underneath the "Advanced Search" tab. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, choose the "Book Review" option under "Document Type".
Education Full Text 1983 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes more than 400 scholarly and trade periodicals and selected monographs in education, educational psychology, college life, teacher education and evaluation. Basic instructions for Education Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
ERIC 1966 - to date
ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) contains citations and abstracts of the international journal and report literature in education and related fields. Subjects include all aspects of education, including child development, classroom techniques, computer education, counseling and testing, administration, higher education, and library science. Basic instructions for ERIC
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option and search by keywords. Enter the author's name, and/or the title of the book placing the book title in quotation marks. To limit your search to book reviews, under "Publication Type" choose the "Information Analyses--Book or Product Reviews" option.
Ethnic NewsWatch 1960 - to date (updated monthly)
A full-text collection of more than 200 newspapers, magazines and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press. Basic instructions for Ethnic Newswatch
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Enter the title or author under "Words in Articles," placing the title in quotation marks. Under "Type of Article" choose "Book Review" from the drop down menu, then click on "Submit Search."
GenderWatch 1980 - to date (updated quarterly)
A women's and gender issues database with full-text coverage of most journals. Basic instructions for GenderWatch
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Enter the title or author under "Words in Articles," placing the title in quotation marks. Under "Type of Article" choose "Book Review" from the drop down menu, then click on "Submit Search."
Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe Dates Vary (updated daily)
Contains the full-text articles from U.S. and international newspapers (including the New York Times, June 1980 - to date), as well as some news and business magazines and trade journals. The truncation symbol is an exclamation point (!). Basic instructions for Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe
To search for book reviews select "News," then select "General News" then choose either "Major Newspapers" or "Magazines and Journals". In the headline box type "book review" and in the next box enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Full text".
ProQuest Research Library 1988 - to date (updated daily)
Indexes over 2,000 general-interest and academic journals. Nearly 1,000 periodicals are full-text. Dates vary, but many full-text journals go back to 1988. Basic instructions for ProQuest Research Library
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box type "book review" and choose "Article Type" from the drop down menu. In the next box, enter the author or the title of the book and choose "Citation and article text."
PsycINFO 1872 - to date (updated weekly)
Indexes 1,300 scholarly journals along with books and book chapters in psychology, educational psychology, and behavioral sciences. Basic instructions for PsycINFO
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. Type in "Book Review" in quotation marks. Then enter the author or the title of the book being reviewed, placing the title in quotation marks.
Social Sciences Full Text 1983 - to date (updated monthly)
Indexes more than 415 scholarly journals in economics, politics, public administration, public health, sociology, criminology, environmental and urban studies, psychology and anthropology. Basic instructions for Social Sciences Full Text
To search for book reviews select the "Advanced Search" option. In the first box enter the title or author of the book and then choose "Book Reviewed" from the "as" drop down menu to the right.
Internet Sites
AcqWeb Directory of Book Reviews on the Web
http://acqweb.org/bookrev.html
Numerous well-categorized book review web sites. The general interest review sites include both popular press magazines and scholarly journals. Subject-specific book review site include topics such as children, young adults, computing, education, history,literature, music, mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, and social science.
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/283155/102-8093640-4577700
This commercial site can be useful for finding brief reviews from numerous publishers, periodicals, and customers.
The Atlantic Unbound
http://www.theatlantic.com/books/
The Atlantic Monthly in electronic form contains the current print issue. This site includes interviews with authors and reviews of current popular books.
BookPage
http://www.bookpage.com/
BookPage is a monthly general interest book review focusing on new releases. It typically reviews up to 100 of each month's new fiction, nonfiction, business, children's, spoken word audio, and how-to books. The searchable archives includes issues back to 1996.
BookReview.com
http://www.bookreview.com/
This site reviews of books that may be overlooked due to odd subjects, or unknown authors. The reviews draw on a variety of publishers and cover a multitude of subjects and genres. Includes a searchable archive.
The Boston Book Review
http://www.bookwire.com/bookwire/bbr/bbr-home.html
In addition to publishing original fiction, poetry, interviews, and essays, this publication reviews numerous books in a wide variety of of subject areas.
H-Net Reviews
http://www.h-net.msu.edu/reviews/
H-Net Reviews in the Humanities and Social Sciences is an online scholarly review resource. The reviews are published online via discussion networks and the H-Net web site. It makes interactivity possible, as reviewers, authors and readers engage in discussions of the reviews online. The Reviews archive is separated into annual volumes. You can browse through the volumes or use the search feature to find a particular review.
Law & Politics Book Review
http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/lpbr/
The Law and Politics Book Review is sponsored by the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association. They attempt to review almost every book about the legal process and politics, to do longer reviews than are usually published, and to make the reviews available within six months of our receipt of the book. The review presently remains available for an indefinite period on the Review's World Wide Web home page. The database of reviews is searchable by author of the book being reviewed.
The New York Times on the Web--Books
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/index.html
The New York Times on the Web Books site has a complete archive of New York Times book reviews since 1996and are searchable by author or title. The site also includes book reviews and book-related news from every day's New York Times. Also, Only-on-the-Web features first chapters from a selection of recently reviewed books and bestsellers. Go to the front page of The New York Times; click on "books," then register. There is currently no subscription fee.