Provides 72 essays of varied themes that range from the 16th century to the 20th century. Based on the essayistic tradition, the essays cover a wide range of topics, including personal identity, family relationships, character types, the animal kingdom, town and country, education, mortality, the national pastime, language, social and political issues, freedom of opinion, the sexes, and the art of the essay. For courses on advanced composition, freshman composition, and essay as literature.