McArthur, Debra

Edgar Allan Poe’s poems and short stories may be familiar to students, but the life that inspired these tales may still remain a mystery. This text provides readers with an understanding of how Poe’s writing was influenced by the time period in which he lived and the circumstances of his tragic life. Students will learn how to ponder, interpret, and comprehend Poe’s work through critical analysis of his themes, word choice, and style and through direct quotations from Poe himself.

Living in the southern United States during the civil rights movement, William Faulkner’s work is fraught with depictions of life in the changing South. Through the interpretation of key details of his life, as well as direct quotations and analysis of his word choice and themes, readers will learn how to examine and comprehend Faulkner’s writing for themselves.

Examines the conditions that led to the severe drought and terrible dust storms that destroyed crops and farmland during the 1930s and shows how some families managed to survive with help from the federal and state governments.

Recounts the 1991 military action of the United States and its allies against the forces of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, relating historical reasons for the war and reactions of combatants.

Examines the life of American author John Steinbeck, and provides in-depth discussions of two Steinbeck novels, including "Of Mice and Men," and "The Grapes of Wrath," looking at how they were influenced by his life experiences.

Presents a short biography of nineteenth-century American writer and humorist, Mark Twain, and chronicles his personal and professional life and works which included "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.".

Tells the life story of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, explaining how he saved the lives of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

Examines the life and career of American author Edgar Allan Poe, and features analyses of selected poems and stories.