New stories, poems, and plays that students will want to read — many appearing for the first time in a student anthology — include stories by Z.Z. Packer, Kim Addonizio, and Dennis Lehane; poems by Kevin Young and Kay Ryan; and plays by Elaine Jarvik and Jon Robin Baitz. The 20 stories, 90 poems, and 4 plays new to this edition represent traditional, multicultural, contemporary, and popular literature — and include classics that have long made classroom discussion come alive. An in-depth chapter on esteemed fiction writer Dagoberto Gilb, created with Dagoberto Gilb. Three of Gilb’s own stories appear alongside compelling personal insights into his work — written specifically for Michael Meyer’s anthologies — plus a collection of rare photographs and manuscript pages. Like its sister chapters created with Billy Collins and Julia Alvarez, this new collection invites students into the author’s studio. Three new case studies in the poetry section draw students in with engaging literature on equally engaging topics: A cultural case study on the Harlem Renaissance features poems by Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Georgia Douglas Johnson. An overview of the period, biographies of the authors, and a rich collection of art give students a thorough appreciation of this vibrant time in American culture.
A thematic case study that draws connections between poetry and fine art showcases essential pairings and plenty of surprises, too — all in full color.
A thematic case study titled The World of Work offers poems in an impressive range of styles and points of view so that every student will find something to relate to.
Exclusive advice from contemporary writers. Brief "When I Read" and "When I Write" comments, commissioned especially for Michael Meyer’s anthologies, give students the opportunity to hear from many notable writers like Mart’n Espada, Susan Minot, Tony Hoagland, and Marilyn Nelson. Lively, varied insights — on reading and writing habits, managing writer’s block, even how to get started as a writer — invite students to join the scene. You can now add video to The Bedford Introduction to Literature. Bring today's writers into your classroom when you package with VideoCentral: Literature for free. Hear from T.C. Boyle, Ha Jin, Jane Smiley, and others, on character, voice, plot, and more. Each video comes with a brief author biography, an interview transcript, and questions to help students respond to the authors and write about literary works and elements. Watch a sample video at bedfordstmartins.com/videolit/catalog.