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Having majored in English myself, I honestly believe that this is the book that should be used for AP Literature classes or college Intro classes. Not only do you get introduction to the formal elements of each genre (fiction, poetry and drama), you get sound writing instruction, an introduction to critical theory and scholarship, in depth treatment of major authors in each genre(ie Nathaniel Hawthorne, Emily Dickinson, etc.)and even some cool selections like a Bruce Springsteen song in with the poems, and an episode of Seinfeld in the drama section. To top it off, you even get collections of World Literature and Modern Literature for each genre, something that expands the literary canon beyond the basics. The questions at the end of each piece are fabulous, really thought provoking. This is a perfect introduction to Literature, especially for AP kids preparing for college level English studies, or for college kids who are only planning to take one literature course.

The Bedford Guide to Literature brings together some of the most timeless and representative stories, poems, and dramas of wesetern culture to educate the reader on such literary concepts as Theme, Plot, Symbolisim, and various structures of short stories, poems, and plays. This book is easily understood by readers of many levels, andshould be enjoyed by all