history and criticism

Traces the development of rap music from origins in the hip hop of the 1970s through various controversies to its widespread popularity in the 1990s.

Recreates meetings between writers and artists from the nineteenth century, reflecting on how each meeting may have influenced the work of those involved.

Examines the genre, cultural implications, and critical history of six classic fairy tales and presents twelve essays on the social origins and issues of gender and national identity present in many of these children's stories.

Presents the texts of twenty-four well-known fairy tales as they were first presented in English and summarizes the history of each tale, especially from the textual point of view.

A collection of interviews in which some of America's most daring contemporary poets discuss their work.

Discusses the songs of popular American musician Bruce Springsteen as poetry, comparing him to fellow New Jersey writer William Carlos Williams, and features interviews in which people share what Springsteen's words have meant to their lives.

Contains entries that provide information about fifteen novels, each with an introduction to the novel and its author; a plot summary; descriptions of characters; analysis of themes; an explanation of literary techniques and movements; a historical context essay; a look at media adaptations; and reading suggestions.

Profiles fifteen commonly studied novels by such authors as William Faulkner, Amy Tan, Margaret Atwood, and L. Frank Baum, providing plot summaries, biographical and historical context, examples of criticism, and discussion of characters, themes, and style.

Contains entries that provide information about twelve novels, each with an author biography, plot summary, character analyses, discussion of themes and style, a historical context essay, a critical overview, a selection of criticism, and suggestions for further reading.

Profiles more than fifty British and Irish literary works--including novels, poems, plays, and essays--from 1837 through the end of the twentieth century, examining the historical periods in which the works are set and in which they were produced.