Robert DiYanni (PhD, the City University of New York; MA, Johns Hopkins University) began his teaching career nearly thirty years ago at LaGuardia Community College and Queens College. Since then, he has taught students at all levels in literature, composition, developmental reading, and developmental writing at Mercy College, Pace University, and Harvard University, among others. He is the best-selling author of over twenty textbooks, including The Scribner Handbook for Writers; Modern American Prose: A Reader for Writers; and the best-selling Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and the Essay. He currently works with the College Board's Advanced Placement program for high schools, and is completing a second title in the Putting It Together series for Bedford/St. Martin's.