"The Bedford Introduction to Literature "is a best-seller for a reason: It brings literature to life for students -- helping to make them lifelong readers and better writers. Classic works drawn from many periods and cultures exist alongside a hefty representation of today's authors, including women, writers of color, and voices that reflect the quirkiness and humor of modern life. There is plenty of support for students, with a dozen chapters of critical reading and writing support, helpful sample close readings, writing assignments, and student papers. And, because everyone teaches and learns a little differently, there are lots of options for working with the literature, including in-depth chapters on major authors and case studies on individual works and themes that everyone can relate to.