history and criticism

Examines the ancient alien history in art, literature, and other classic works. It covers scary science fiction's ... writers and how their stories came to influence alien movies for years to come.

This is an entertaining look at the vampire phenomenon. Beginning with a full-bodied history on the appearance of vampires in early literature and moving on to more modern film and television iterations, including Twilight, True Blood, and even Count von Count on Sesame Street, this book takes a bite out of vampire lore to show how readers and theatergoers have always been fascinated by these creatures of the night. It also explains how vampires have changed physically over the years, a major feat for an undead creature. The resource ends with a filmography that gives details on most major vampire films. For Further Information Section, Bibliography, Detailed Table of Contents, Sidebars, Index, Web Sites, Full-color photographs, Glossary.

Explains the history of singing and dancing, including how musical notes were invented, how nursery rhymes were handed down, and how music and dance will continue to influence us in the future.

This reference includes a brief biography of each author; a plot summary; a descriptive list of characters; a discussion of the themes of each novel; criticism; and exploration of the external influences that shaped each book.

Describes the process of X-ray reading, or close reading, that involves reading texts in such a way that you see beneath the words to the meaning of literary passages and the use of writing strategies. Uses examples from twenty-five classic and contemporary works, ranging from Virgil's "The Aeneid" to "The Great Gatsby.".

Contains a CD of original field recordings and a DVD of original film along with over twenty interviews and narratives about Mississippi blues music in the American South.

Provides reviews and recommendations for hundreds of comic books and graphic novels for juvenile audiences that will help parents determine which titles are right for their kids.

An analysis of the literary genre that focused on adolescent girls and evolved between the 1960s and 1980s considers the achievements of such authors as Beverly Cleary, Lois Duncan, and Judy Blume, in a collection of essays in which contributing writers remember the ways in which favorite books changed their lives.

A critical overview of the world of children's literature charts the makings of the Western literary imagination and explores ancient and contemporary iconic books that have forged a lifelong love of literature in young readers during their formative years.

Shares examples of haiku, the brief Japanese poetry form, explains its construction, and offers tips on composing one's own poem.