The sources in this section provide in depth, as well as brief or general biographical information about Dr. Seuss. Books and encyclopedias are listed by category with bibliographic information, as well as call numbers and locations. A short description of each book or encyclopedia entry follows each title.
These books focus on Dr. Seuss's life and work. Some offer personal accounts of Dr. Seuss, while others are written by professional biographers and present a more formal view of his life. Pertinent features are mentioned in the descriptions following each title.
Dr. Seuss from Then to Now: A Catalogue of the Retrospective Exhibition, Organized by the San Diego Museum of Art. New York: Random House, 1986. (NC975.5. S48 A4, 2nd floor stacks in SILS)
Based on an exhibit from the San Diego Museum of Art, this book offers a pictorial evolution of Dr. Seuss’s work, as well as an introduction by Steven L. Brezzo (San Diego Museum Director) and text accompanying many of the illustrations.
Fensch, Thomas, ed. Of Sneetches and Whos and the Good Dr. Seuss: Essays on the Writing and Life of Theodor Geisel. London: McFarland and Company, Inc., Publishers, 1997. (PS3515. E2 Z79, 8th floor stacks in Davis Library)
This collection of scholarly essays on Dr. Seuss’s life and work contains a detailed chronology, a useful index, and handy abstracts for each article. Many articles, including obituaries, emphasize biographical information. Also, an interesting interview conducted with Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak is included.
Krulak, Victor H., Jed Mattes, Judith and Neil Morgan, Herbert Cheyette, Chuck Jones, and Robert L. Bernstein. Theodor Seuss Geisel: Reminiscences and Tributes. Hanover: Dartmouth College, 1996. (PS3513. E2 Z85, 8th floor stacks in Davis Library)
This book is a collection of adapted speeches made on November 18, 1991 at San Diego Museum of Fine Art’s Copley Auditorium in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s life. These essays offer a heartfelt and personal glimpse into the life of Dr. Seuss.
MacDonald, Ruth, ed. Dr. Seuss. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1988. (PS3513. E2 Z77, 8th floor stacks in Davis Library)
Published before his death, this book was the first biography of Dr. Seuss. Organized in chapters by General Biography, Early Books, Books after World War II, The Cat in the Hat and Its Legacy, Later “Message” Books, and Retrospective Conclusion, Dr. Seuss also includes a brief chronology at the beginning of the book.
Morgan, Judith and Neil. Dr. Seuss and Mr. Geisel: A Biography. New York: Random House, 1995. (PS3513. E2 Z785, 8th floor stacks in Davis Library)
Written by friends and neighbors of Dr. Seuss, this is the most recent and comprehensive biography available at UNC. Chapters in this book are organized into five year increments.
These encyclopedia entries offer a briefer, more general look at Dr. Seuss’s life and work than the aforementioned biographical books. The encyclopedias listed are specifically geared toward children’s book authors and illustrators, thus providing more detailed information than general encyclopedias. Some of these entries document personal information only, whereas others include additional headings (e.g. Awards and Honors).
Chevalier, Tracy, ed. “Seuss, Dr.” Twentieth Century Children’s Writers. Chicago: St. James Press, 1989. (R J 920 Twe, children's reference in the CH Public Library)
This encyclopedia entry offers a photograph and a short biographical sketch of Dr. Seuss, as well as a complete list of publications for children and adults. Author, Donnarae MacCann’s discussion of individual books, such as The Cat in the Hat and The Butter Battle Book, at the end of the entry is especially insightful.
Collier, Laurie and Joyce Nakurma, eds. “Geisel, Theodor Seuss.” Major Authors and Illustrators for Children and Young Adults, Volume 3. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1993. (R J 920 Maj, children's reference in the CH Public Library)
This encyclopedia entry contains a photograph and the most complete information about Dr. Seuss under the headings Personal Information, Addresses, Career Development, Club Memberships, Awards and Honors, Writings (including Screenplays, Television Scripts, and Recordings), Adaptations, Sidelights, Works Cited, and a list of sources for more information.
Hedblad, Alan, ed. “Geisel, Theodor Seuss.” Something About the Author, Volume 100. Detroit: Gale Group, 1999. (PN451. S6, children's reference in SILS)
One of the best sources for biographical information about children’s authors and illustrators, Something About the Author provides a photograph, examples of Dr. Seuss’s illustrations, and details about his life and works under the headings Personal, Career, Awards and Honors, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights, Works Cited, and a list of sources for further information.
Smaridge, Norah. “Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).” Famous Author-Illustrators for Young People. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1973. (NC975. S57, 2nd floor stacks in SILS)
While this biographical summary is somewhat dated, it provides a rich and detailed portrait of Dr. Seuss’s life, including unusual facts (e.g. rock collecting was Dr. Seuss’s only hobby).