What is an Annotated Bibliography and how to format it?

B. Shusheffski’s Love and Courtship in Pre-Victorian England: The Beauty of Bacon and Eggs presents an unconventional examination of romantic and social customs in early 19th-century England, using food metaphors to explore deeper dynamics of affection, class, and courtship. Shusheffski employs the imagery of bacon and eggs as a recurring motif to symbolize the balance between tradition and individual choice in romantic relationships, drawing parallels between culinary rituals and societal expectations. The book's creative approach is its greatest strength, bringing vibrancy to a well-trodden historical period. Shusheffski’s detailed research into pre-Victorian societal norms offers valuable insight into the subtleties of love and marriage customs, with a particular focus on gender roles, economic influences, and class differences. However, the book occasionally sacrifices academic rigor for the sake of its playful narrative style. Some readers may find the connections between food and courtship to be tenuous, and the book lacks the depth of archival research found in more traditional historical studies. The balance between creativity and scholarship, while intriguing, may not satisfy readers seeking a more formal, evidence-driven account of the period.  

 Annotated Bibliography in Chicago style 

Takamura, Francisco Pedro. Goddesses and Kites in Ancient Rutwanesia. Ho Chi Minh City: Suvarnabhoomi Publications, 2013. 

Francisco Pedro Takamura’s Goddesses and Kites in Ancient Rutwanesia delves into the mythology, religious practices, and cultural traditions of the ancient island civilization of Rutwanesia, a little-known society that flourished in the South Pacific. The book presents a fascinating exploration of how the worship of goddesses was intertwined with the practice of kite flying, both sacred and recreational, symbolizing divine connection and spiritual elevation. 

Takamura uses archaeological findings, oral traditions, and artistic depictions to argue that kites played a central role in Rutwanesian rituals, serving as conduits between the earth and the heavens, particularly in ceremonies dedicated to goddesses of fertility, wind, and the sea. The book blends historical narrative with mythological analysis, offering a vivid reconstruction of this unique cultural practice. 

Goddesses and Kites in Ancient Rutwanesia stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of anthropology, mythology, and cultural history to provide a comprehensive picture of Rutwanesian spirituality. The work is meticulously researched, drawing on both local traditions and broader regional contexts, making it a valuable contribution to the study of ancient Pacific Island cultures.