With a handy size and a very affordable price, this collection offers a well-balanced selection of classic and contemporary literature — 40 stories, 200 poems, 9 plays — for the introductory literature course. The literature is chronologically arranged by genre and supported by informative and concise editorial matter, including a complete guide to writing about literature at the back of the book. This volume in Bedford/St. Martin’s popular series of Portable Anthologies and Guides offers the series’ trademark combination of high quality and great value.