criticism and interpretation

"[This book] combines critical introductions to each of Jane Austen's major novels with an exploration of the themes of Austen's writing. Austen wrote six of the best-loved novels in the English language, as well as a smaller corpus of works unpublished in her day. She pioneered new techniques for representing voices, minds, and hearts in narrative prose, and was a penetrating satirist of social tensions and trends. This [book] considers how Austen reveals the literary, social, and political tensions from which the novels emerge. It also analyzes how her writing continues to charm and impact readers"--OCLC.

"Highlights one of the most influential writers of the 20th century--James Joyce. He is best known for his complex style, reinvention of language, and depiction of contemporary Ireland. Yet at the time of writing his work faced intense criticism, and his modernist epic Ulysses was banned for over a decade in Britain and America for obscenity. This book explores Joyce's major works including Ulysses, Dubliners, and Finnegan's Wake. It considers the contemporary significance of Joyce's examination of sexuality and nationalism, and places Joyce's works in the context of his life as well as the historical moment in which they were written"--Provided by publisher.

"Equal parts musicology, biography, and cultural history, 'Dilla Time' chronicles the invention of a new kind of beat by the most underappreciated musical genius of our time"--Provided by publisher.

Focuses on 100 key, broadly chronological milestones that cover a range of topics across Leonardo's many fields of discipline: painting, anatomical studies, his progressive engagement with a range of sciences, and more.

"With evocative color illustrations by Cristina Pieropan and reproductions of seven works by Degas, 'What Degas saw' encourages young readers and artists to carefully observe their own surroundings"--Jacket flap.

Presents a comprehensive guide to the mystery novels by former jockey Dick Francis and includes plot summaries and character analyses, and an exclusive interview with the author.

Presents a concordance to the novels, series, and movies of Tom Clancy; an interview with Clancy; twelve essays by the best-selling author; and an overview of his career, including novel and series profiles.

"Unravel the mystery of how and why Henry Wadsworth Longfellow twisted historical facts when he penned his famous poem, 'Paul Revere's Ride'"--.

Provides a collection of critical essays on Zora Neale Hurston's Their eyes were watching God, exploring it from numerous and diverse perspectives, including race, gender, and class.

Provides a collection of critical essays on Markus Zusak's The book thief.