A refreshing alternative to voluminous literature anthologies, this compact, inexpensive, and diverse collection of fiction, poetry, and drama provides a concise yet complete introduction to the study of literature.

A refreshing alternative to voluminous literature anthologies, this compact, inexpensive, and diverse collection of fiction, poetry, and drama provides a concise yet complete introduction to the study of literature.  Organized chronologically within each genre, the wide range of selections features both classic and contemporary authors, presenting a diversity of forms and voices.  Twenty-sevennew selections in this edition–17 poems, 6 short stories, and 4 plays–include works by Daniel Orozco, Ted Kooser, Natasha Trethewey, A.E. Stallings, and August Wilson.  Individual Fiction, Poetry, and Drama introductionsand Appendix A: Writing About Literaturenow include examples of student writing.  Biographical headnotes now highlight common themes and ideas in the author’s body of work, often with specific mention of the featured readings.