The body of world literature available in electronic format continues to grow. Classic Library, intended as a relatively inexpensive means for building a home library, is a well designed but flawed addition to the list. The disc contains over 2000 poems, novels, plays, and other texts covering the time span from classical Greece through modern time; but its flaws severely limit its usefulness.
Classic Library operates on both PCS and Macintoshes, and includes good installation and operating instructions in printed format. The texts are arranged in alphabetical order by title and author. Clicking on a title displays the desired one. The database also includes links to the authors’ biographies plus additional information on texts not attributed to single authors, such as the U.S. Constitution. A bookmark feature, similar to that found on Netscape, allows for tagging of individual entries for quick access at a later time.
Five options are provided for searching. In addition to author and title searching, a simple keyword mode allows searching by a word or phrase, while the complex mode uses Boolean AND, OR, and NOT operators. A field search mode allows searching by material type, author nationality, and mid‐career date of the author. Online help is available to answer questions. The search history program tracks texts examined during search sessions. These features are accessible from icons located in the middle of the main screen or through function buttons placed on the top. However neither the print nor the online instructions explain the use of the icons. Andromeda also provides a simple word processor, creating a single use system for examining texts then preparing reports. While this is a sound idea and the word processor has many nice features, it lacks spelling and grammar programs, limiting its usefulness.
As for the texts, this collection raises many of the same issues one encounters in print anthologies. The texts are all materials available in the public domain; and no indication appears of the editions used in the program. More importantly, the collection has a strong Western bias, with a majority of the texts by British and American authors. For example, the Bible appears, but not the Qur’an or writings of other major religions. An English translation of the Arabian Nights Entertainments appears, but no other fiction from non‐European writers. The sole Chinese author listed is Sun‐Tzu for the Art of War. Surprising, no English translations of other European authors appear; Voltaire, Goethe, Tolstoy, and others are missing. Aesop and Sophocles are the only authors from classical Greek and Latin literature. Also, one finds curious omissions of titles from covered authors. Moby Dick is missing from the works of Herman Melville; and Walden does not appear under Henry David Thoreau. When one considers what is not included, the usefulness of this program diminishes.
The problems concerning the word processor and lack of instructions regarding the use of icons could be overlooked. However, exclusion of a significant portion of the world’s great literature makes it difficult to recommend this program for either library or home purchase. It is not a question of political correctness, but of including relevant literature for users. An alternative method for obtaining a balance of the world’s literature in electronic format is using the World Wide Web, beginning with the Yahoo directory. Or, ask your local librarian for the print texts.
