An introduction to the life and work of fourteenth-century author Geoffrey Chaucer, featuring a biographical profile, critical analyses of the themes, symbols, ideas, and other aspects of his writing, a chronology, and a complete bibliography.

A biographical and critical review of the world's most important writers- Expert analysis by Harold Bloom- A wealth of information on the writers that are most commonly read in high schools, colleges, and universities

Provides biographical information as well as critical analysis of style, important symbols, themes, and ideas in their major works.

From the publisher. Our ceaseless human quest for something larger than ourselves has never been represented with more insight and love than in this story of Don Quixote -- pursuing his vision of glory in a mercantile age -- and his shrewd, skeptical manservant, Sancho Panza. As they set out to right the world's wrongs in knightly combat, the narrative moves from philosophical speculation to broad comedy, taking in pastoral, farce, and fantasy on...

Presents a biography of twentieth-century American poet Maya Angelou, features literary criticism of her work, and includes a chronology of her life, and a bibliography of her writings

Examines the life of early twentieth-century Czech author Franz Kafka, presents an analysis of his writing, and features a selection of critical essays regarding Kafka's work, a chronology, and a complete bibliography.

A collection of essays about Shakespeare's Macbeth, addressing its structure, themes, and subject matter.

Includes a brief biography of the author, thematic and structural analysis of the work, critical views, and an index of themes and ideas.