Gr 9 Up-This set does everything for students but write the paper. Each volume contains entries for 20 stories arranged alphabetically by title. Classic authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, and James Joyce appear as well as Edwidge Danticat, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Doris Lessing. Selections include O'Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Red Headed League," and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," as well as Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" and W. W. Jacobs's "The Monkey's Paw." Each entry includes a brief biographical sketch of the writer; a plot summary; descriptions of characters; a discussion of the major themes and style (use of irony, symbolism, points of view, etc.); an introduction to the historical and cultural period during which the story was written; a critical overview; and an essay written for this resource along with excerpts from the work of other critics. Sidebars list topics for further study, media adaptations, ideas for comparing and contrasting historical authors' times with those of the late 20th century, and suggestions for what to read next. Black-and-white photos are scattered throughout. In addition to a glossary of literary terms, each volume has indexes by author/title, nationality/ethnicity, and subject/theme, that provide easy access to the material. Future volumes are planned. This is a useful tool for students and teachers.-Jo-Anne Weinberg, Greenburgh Public Library, NY
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