Readings in many genres by writers with perspectives that span the academic, cultural, and political spectrum. 65 readings cover an array of viewpoints as well as numerous types of texts, including not only formal essays and articles but also visuals, poetry, and humor. The writers and artists included range from Mary Shelley and Sojourner Truth to Allison Gopnik, Andrew Sullivan, and Michael Chorost.
The only composition reader that reveals the viewpoints of its editors. Clearly indicating which editor chose each selection and why, The Presence
of Others shows students that even textbooks have agendas and encourages them to read with a critical eye.
A focus on reading — and writing — in the disciplines. With texts that interrogate issues relevant not just to English and the humanities but to social sciences and natural sciences, The Presence of Others offers students readable models of good writing in many fields.
An annotated reading in every chapter models critical reading. One reading in each section includes marginal glosses by the editors and by one or more student writers, modeling ways to respond to and interact with texts and ways to disagree civilly and productively.
Two introductory chapters on reading, thinking critically, and writing. With advice on drafting, revising, and editing, evaluating online texts, and analyzing visuals, these two chapters are designed to help teachers guide students from reading to writing — and to allow the book to be used without a separate rhetoric. Two model student essays at the end of the introductory material analyze reading selections included in the book.