history and criticism

Reprint of: Doubleday, 1957. An essay assessing the significance of romance in American novels, with detailed studies of works by Cooper, Melville, James, Faulkner, and others.

Provides reference information on the life and work of Jonathan Swift, featuring a concise biography of the author, followed by alphabetical listings that include commentaries on his poems and prose writings, profiles of his characters, family members, and people in his social circle, and discussion of related topics and themes.

Presents eight critical essays on the works of science fiction and fantasy author Ray Bradbury, as well as an essay by Bradbury himself. Covers his story "The Golden Apples of the Sun"; his novels "The Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451"; and topics such as his representation of children and his use of frontier myth.

A comprehensive guide to American poetry, profiling both classic and groundbreaking works, popular and lesser-known authors, major poems, themes, concepts, periodicals, and movements.

Profiles 270 works of literature from around the world and throughout history in alphabetical order, providing plot summaries, critical analyses, and reference data including type of work, place and time setting, and first publication date for each; includes novels, stories, plays, poems, and essays.

Profiles eighteen important works of American literature, including novels, poems, and short story collections, each with an analysis, a discussion of its impact and influence, an author chronology, and a bibliography.

Profiles approximately twenty poems by such writers as Wislawa Szymborska, Adrienne Rich, and Rita Dove, providing poem texts and summaries, author biographies, criticism excerpts, and discussion of theme, style, and historical context.

Explores over three centuries of American literature and examines the critical dogma that issues pertaining to race, class, and gender influence the theme, character, and language of literary works.

Chronicles the history of haiku and presents hundreds of examples by Bash?, Buson, and other poets in English and the original Japanese.