A series of introductory books, the Genre Series offers students, writers and academics a window into some of the most popular topics, styles and periods in literature. Designed to be user-friendly, each volume shares the same structure, including: A broad definition of the genre and its essential elements; A timeline of historical developments; Critical concerns to bear in mind while reading; Detailed readings of several key texts; In-depth analysis of major themes and issues; Signposts for further study; A summary of the most important criticism in the field; A glossary of terms; An annotated, critical reading list.