The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Package 2: Volumes C-E, Sixth Edition

Rating:
Summary: Volume II: Lacks titles by major figures
Review: While this anthology provides a wonderful array of texts by diverse authors, it is difficult to use in a survey course without supplementation. Given the high cost of the volume, it is difficult to justify asking students to purchase additional texts. However, to give two examples, both Fitzgerald and Hemingway are represented by just one story apiece. Surely Jack London or Frank Norris could have been limited to one text each in order to include more short selections or, better, a full novel by one or both of these important writers. I found it difficult to plan a semester that offered a full survey of Am lit using only this anthology.

Rating:
Summary: The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Shorter Version
Review: With an array of brilliant American writers from Walt Whitman to Edgar Allen Poe, this edition includes writers of different genres, styles, genders, and backgrounds. Yet they all share a quality which seems to define America. These essential writers and their works of literature have been thoughtfully chosen with poignant biographical information. I would recommend this to anyone curious in regards to the profound wisdom and wit American writers have conveyed.

Rating:
Summary: What to Bring to that Desert Island
Review: Yes, I know the price is outrageous. My 70's copy of this book, now worn and filled with notes, sports a price of only $15, but this book has to be the greatest bargin in the English language. Everyone should own a copy. Where else could you find Tennyson, Yeats, A.E.Houseman, Thomas Hardy and dozens of others all in one place with superb introductions for each? A few weeks ago a friend mentioned that given the number of poets I can quote I must have a huge library. My reply "No, just the Norton Anthology of English Literature." If you love English poetry you will love this book. If you don't love English poetry this is the best place I can think of to learn to love it.