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Kirkus Reviews Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Kirkus Reviews: History, Operations, and Initiatives

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Kirkus Reviews: History, Operations, and Initiatives Study Guide

Founding and Early History (1933-1954)

Virginia Kirkus founded Kirkus Reviews in 1945.

Answer: False

Explanation: Virginia Kirkus founded Kirkus Reviews in 1933. She served as the editor from its inception until her death in 1962.

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Virginia Kirkus's initial role at Harper & Brothers was to manage the company's advertising department.

Answer: False

Explanation: Virginia Kirkus was hired by Harper & Brothers to establish and manage its children's book department, not the advertising department.

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Virginia Kirkus left Harper & Brothers because the department she established was eliminated due to economic reasons.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1932, the children's book department Virginia Kirkus had established at Harper & Brothers was eliminated as an economic measure, leading to her departure.

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In its early days, Kirkus's service reviewed around 200 books weekly.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, Kirkus's service arranged to review about 20 books in advance of their publication, a much smaller volume than 200 weekly.

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The publication was initially titled *Bulletin* by Kirkus' Bookshop Service from 1933 to 1954.

Answer: True

Explanation: From 1933 to 1954, the publication was initially titled *Bulletin* by Kirkus' Bookshop Service.

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Virginia Kirkus was the editor of the publication until her death in 1962.

Answer: True

Explanation: Virginia Kirkus served as the editor of the publication from its founding in 1933 until her death in July 1962.

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Who founded Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: Virginia Kirkus

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews was founded by Virginia Kirkus in 1933.

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In what year was Kirkus Reviews founded?

Answer: 1933

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews was founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus.

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What was Virginia Kirkus's initial task at Harper & Brothers?

Answer: To create and manage a children's book department.

Explanation: Virginia Kirkus was hired by Harper & Brothers in 1926 specifically to establish and manage a children's book department.

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Why did Virginia Kirkus leave Harper & Brothers?

Answer: The children's book department she established was eliminated due to economic measures.

Explanation: Virginia Kirkus departed Harper & Brothers after the children's book department she had created was eliminated in 1932 due to economic considerations.

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Which of the following was NOT an early title for the publication?

Answer: Kirkus Service

Explanation: Early titles included 'Bulletin' (1933-1954), 'Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service' (1955-1964), and 'Virginia Kirkus' Service' (1964-1967). 'Kirkus Service' was adopted in 1967, not considered an early title in the same period.

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What was the initial volume of books Kirkus's service reviewed in advance of publication?

Answer: About 20 books

Explanation: Initially, Kirkus's service reviewed approximately 20 books in advance of their publication.

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Publication Evolution and Ownership Changes (1955-2010)

The publication was known as *Kirkus Service* from 1955 to 1964.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publication was known as *Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service* from 1955 to 1964, and then *Kirkus Service* starting in 1967.

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The current title, *Kirkus Reviews*, was adopted in 1967.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publication adopted its current title, *Kirkus Reviews*, with the January 1, 1969 issue.

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Anne Larsen served as the editorial head of Kirkus Reviews from 1985 until 2006.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anne Larsen was the editorial head of Kirkus Reviews from 1985 until 2006, during which time she refined the review format and style.

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Kirkus Reviews was first sold in 1985 to James B. Kobak.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews was first sold in 1970 to *The New York Review of Books*. James B. Kobak acquired it later, in 1985.

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Following its acquisition by *The New York Review of Books*, Kirkus Reviews was then acquired by magazine consultant James B. Kobak.

Answer: True

Explanation: After being acquired by *The New York Review of Books* in 1970, Kirkus Reviews was subsequently purchased by magazine consultant James B. Kobak in 1985.

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David LeBreton purchased Kirkus Reviews in 1999.

Answer: False

Explanation: David LeBreton purchased Kirkus Reviews in 1993. In 1999, it was acquired by BPI Communications.

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In 1999, Kirkus Reviews was acquired by BPI Communications, a subsidiary of the Dutch publisher VNU.

Answer: True

Explanation: BPI Communications, owned by the Dutch publisher VNU, acquired Kirkus Reviews in 1999, integrating it into a larger media conglomerate.

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At the end of 2009, the company owning Kirkus Reviews announced its closure.

Answer: True

Explanation: The company owning Kirkus Reviews announced the end of its operations at the close of 2009, preceding its sale.

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The title changed to *Virginia Kirkus' Service* in 1955.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title changed to *Bulletin from Virginia Kirkus' Service* in 1955. It became *Virginia Kirkus' Service* later, in 1964.

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In 1967, the publication was known as *Virginia Kirkus' Service*.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1967, the publication's title was changed to *Kirkus Service*. It was known as *Virginia Kirkus' Service* from 1964 to 1967.

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When did the publication officially adopt the title *Kirkus Reviews*?

Answer: January 1, 1969

Explanation: The publication adopted its current title, *Kirkus Reviews*, with the January 1, 1969 issue.

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Who served as the editorial head of Kirkus Reviews for a significant period starting in 1985?

Answer: Anne Larsen

Explanation: Anne Larsen began as fiction editor in 1985 and became editorial head, serving until 2006, during which she significantly improved the review format and style.

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Kirkus Reviews was first sold in 1970 to which entity?

Answer: The New York Review of Books

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews was first sold in 1970 to *The New York Review of Books*.

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Who acquired Kirkus Reviews from *The New York Review of Books*?

Answer: Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins

Explanation: After being acquired by *The New York Review of Books*, Kirkus Reviews was subsequently purchased by Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins.

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In 1999, Kirkus Reviews was acquired by a company owned by which foreign publisher?

Answer: A Dutch publisher

Explanation: In 1999, BPI Communications, a subsidiary of the Dutch publisher VNU, acquired Kirkus Reviews.

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What significant announcement was made by the company owning Kirkus Reviews at the end of 2009?

Answer: The end of operations for Kirkus Reviews.

Explanation: At the end of 2009, the company that owned Kirkus Reviews announced the cessation of its operations.

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What was the title of the publication in 1967?

Answer: Kirkus Service

Explanation: In 1967, the publication's title was changed to *Kirkus Service*.

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What did Anne Larsen modify during her tenure as editorial head?

Answer: The review format and style to improve readability and impact.

Explanation: During her tenure, Anne Larsen refined the review format and style to enhance readability, concision, accuracy, and overall impact.

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Who acquired Kirkus Reviews from Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins?

Answer: James B. Kobak

Explanation: James B. Kobak acquired Kirkus Reviews from Barbara Bader and Josh Rubins in 1985.

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What was the outcome of the acquisition of Kirkus Reviews by BPI Communications in 1999?

Answer: It was integrated into a larger international media conglomerate.

Explanation: The acquisition by BPI Communications, owned by VNU, integrated Kirkus Reviews into a larger international media conglomerate.

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Modern Initiatives and Services

Businessman Herbert Simon purchased Kirkus Reviews in February 2010, renaming it Kirkus Media.

Answer: True

Explanation: Herbert Simon purchased Kirkus Reviews in February 2010, leading to the company's renaming as Kirkus Media.

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Kirkus Reviews' traditional reviewing program requires authors to pay for reviews to ensure editorial independence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews' traditional reviewing program does not require payment for reviews, emphasizing editorial independence.

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The Indie program allows authors to purchase reviews but prohibits them from publishing these reviews on the Kirkus website.

Answer: False

Explanation: Authors in the Indie program can choose whether or not to publish their purchased reviews on the Kirkus website; they are not prohibited from doing so.

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An Indie program review purchased from Kirkus Reviews will automatically be published in the magazine or email newsletter.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indie program reviews are not automatically published in the magazine or newsletter; publication in these formats is subject to Kirkus's editor discretion, especially if the review is posted on the website.

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The Kirkus Prize was established in 2014.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews launched the Kirkus Prize in 2014 to recognize literary excellence.

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The Kirkus Prize awards $50,000 annually to authors of poetry, drama, and young adult literature.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kirkus Prize awards $50,000 annually, but it is for authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature, not poetry or drama.

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The Indie program allows authors to modify their purchased reviews before publication.

Answer: False

Explanation: Authors who purchase reviews through the Indie program cannot modify the content of those reviews.

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Kirkus Reviews confers an annual prize named the Kirkus Prize.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews established and confers the annual Kirkus Prize to recognize literary achievements.

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The Kirkus Prize is awarded to authors of poetry and drama.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kirkus Prize recognizes authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature, not poetry or drama.

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Who purchased Kirkus Reviews in February 2010, leading to its renaming as Kirkus Media?

Answer: Herbert Simon

Explanation: Businessman Herbert Simon purchased Kirkus Reviews in February 2010, subsequently renaming the company Kirkus Media.

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What is the policy regarding payment for Kirkus Reviews' traditional reviews?

Answer: Payment is not required for traditional reviews.

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews' traditional reviewing program does not require payment, ensuring editorial independence.

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What is a key feature of the Indie program offered by Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: Authors can purchase reviews but cannot modify them.

Explanation: The Indie program allows authors to purchase reviews, but a key feature is that authors are prohibited from modifying or influencing the content of these reviews.

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Under what condition might an Indie program review also be published in the Kirkus magazine or newsletter?

Answer: Based on Kirkus's editor discretion if published on the website.

Explanation: If an Indie program review is published on the Kirkus website, Kirkus's editors may then choose to publish it in the magazine or email newsletter.

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When was the Kirkus Prize first launched?

Answer: 2014

Explanation: The Kirkus Prize was first launched in 2014.

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What is the annual prize amount for each category of the Kirkus Prize?

Answer: $50,000

Explanation: Each category of the Kirkus Prize awards $50,000 annually to the winning authors.

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Which categories of literature are recognized by the Kirkus Prize?

Answer: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Readers' Literature

Explanation: The Kirkus Prize recognizes authors in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature.

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Which of the following is NOT a category for which the Kirkus Prize is awarded?

Answer: Poetry

Explanation: The Kirkus Prize is awarded for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Readers' Literature; Poetry is not one of the recognized categories.

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What is the relationship between Kirkus Reviews and the Indie program?

Answer: The Indie program allows authors to purchase reviews, but they cannot influence the content.

Explanation: The Indie program enables authors to purchase reviews, with the stipulation that they cannot influence or modify the content of these reviews.

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What is the significance of the February 10, 2010 purchase of Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: It signaled a revival and renaming to Kirkus Media.

Explanation: The purchase by Herbert Simon on February 10, 2010, marked a revival and led to the renaming of the company to Kirkus Media.

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Core Identity and Services

Kirkus Reviews primarily functions as a platform for authors to promote their books directly to readers, operating without editorial oversight.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews maintains a traditional review program that does not require payment and implies editorial oversight. While it offers paid review services (Indie program), these also have restrictions on author influence, indicating that editorial judgment is a core component of the service.

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Kirkus Reviews is published weekly.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews is published semimonthly, meaning twice each month.

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Kirkus Reviews reviews approximately 10,000 book titles annually.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews reviews over 10,000 titles per year, reflecting a significant volume of work.

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The logo image of Kirkus Reviews displays a stylized depiction of a book.

Answer: False

Explanation: The logo image of Kirkus Reviews features the publication's name in a stylized font, not a depiction of a book.

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The ISSN for Kirkus Reviews is 0000-0000.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ISSN for Kirkus Reviews is 1948-7428.

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The official website address for Kirkus Reviews is kirkus.com.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official website address for Kirkus Reviews is kirkusreviews.com.

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The "Categories" field in the infobox classifies Kirkus Reviews under "Literary Criticism."

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Categories" field in the infobox specifies that Kirkus Reviews falls under "Book reviews."

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The "First issue" entry in the infobox indicates the publication began in January 1933, 92 years before the current context.

Answer: True

Explanation: The "First issue" entry confirms the publication's start in January 1933, establishing its long history.

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The "Based in" field in the infobox states that Kirkus Reviews is headquartered in London, England.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Based in" field indicates that Kirkus Reviews is based in New York City, New York, U.S.

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The publisher of Kirkus Reviews is Kirkus Media, headquartered in Chicago.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publisher is Kirkus Media, but it is headquartered in New York City, not Chicago.

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What is the primary function of Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: To provide critical assessments of books, often before publication.

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews is a book review magazine whose primary function is to provide critical assessments of books, frequently previewing them before their official release.

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What is the publisher of Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: Kirkus Media

Explanation: The publisher of Kirkus Reviews is Kirkus Media, headquartered in New York City.

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How often is Kirkus Reviews published?

Answer: Semimonthly

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews is published semimonthly, meaning twice each month.

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Approximately how many book titles does Kirkus Reviews review annually?

Answer: Over 10,000

Explanation: Kirkus Reviews reviews over 10,000 book titles each year.

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What does the ISSN for Kirkus Reviews identify?

Answer: A unique identifier for the serial publication.

Explanation: The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique eight-digit number used to identify a serial publication.

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What is the official website address for Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: kirkusreviews.com

Explanation: The official website for Kirkus Reviews is kirkusreviews.com.

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What does the "First issue" entry in the infobox indicate about the publication's history?

Answer: Its first issue was in January 1933.

Explanation: The "First issue" entry in the infobox confirms that the publication began in January 1933.

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What does the "Categories" field in the infobox specify for Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: Book Reviews

Explanation: The "Categories" field in the infobox classifies Kirkus Reviews as "Book Reviews."

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What is the significance of the "External text" links in the references section?

Answer: They offer access to the original sources verifying the article's information.

Explanation: The "External text" links in the references section provide direct access to the original sources that support the information presented in the article, allowing for verification.

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What does the phrase "semimonthly" mean in the context of Kirkus Reviews' publication schedule?

Answer: Published twice a month.

Explanation: Semimonthly indicates that Kirkus Reviews is published two times per month.

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What does the logo image of Kirkus Reviews depict?

Answer: The publication's name in a stylized font.

Explanation: The logo image of Kirkus Reviews displays the publication's name, "Kirkus Reviews," rendered in a stylized font.

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What does the "Based in" field in the infobox indicate about Kirkus Reviews?

Answer: Its geographical operational center.

Explanation: The "Based in" field indicates the geographical operational center of Kirkus Reviews, which is New York City, New York, U.S.

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