Reflecting today's growing emphasis on multiculturalism, the second edition of this remarkably successful anthology offers twelve additional contributions from the new generation of writers currently revitalizing the short story form, including Amy Tan, Bharati Mukherjee, R.K. Narayan, Stephen Milhauser, Ellen Gilchrist, and Patrick McGrath. Organized around the successive stages of humanity's most durable myth, the hero's quest narrative pattern delineated by renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell, this edition offers a summary and explication of Campbell's analysis of the quest motif, a new biographical introduction to Campbell's life and work, and a section of concise biographical entries on each of the fifty authors.
As in the earlier edition, the quality and quantity of the selections give instructors the freedom to present the stories in whatever order and structure they choose. For those who wish to take advantage of the anthology's thematic organization, the editors provide questions for discussion and possible writing assignments that do not sacrifice the comprehensive diversity of the selections or their identity as distinctive works of literature open to various interpretations. A highly accessible introduction to the technical aspects of the close analysis of fiction, this text also offers a number of special features: two supplementary tables of contents, one organized by alternate themes, and one by the traditional elements of fiction; an introductory essay defining those technical elements and including a sample analysis of one the stories in the anthology; and a glossary of critical terms.
Industry Reviews
"A great collection of modern short stories with the addition of intelligent and meaningful discussion of myth, archetypes, and the elements of fiction. The questions at the end of each story are excellent. This is a book I will use over and over!"--Linda Gordon, Nova Southeastern University
"Excellent selection and organization. Looks very useful and flexible."--Gary Eberle, Aquinas College
"Excellent selections--this is exactly what I had been looking for for my 'Myth and Fantasy' class. Questions in text and comments in teacher's manual are also excellent. The students are actually learning!"--Polly Kalliman Nimmer, College of St. Mary
"I'm using this for the first time and am really looking forward to the semester. The book looks wonderful!"--Polly Nimmer, College of Saint Mary
"Good selections and great introduction."--Catharine A. Tipton, The Paideia School
"A perfect text for young adults searching for meaning."--Rev. John Delli Carpini, St. Charles Seminary
"An outstanding anthology of stories basic to a leading archetype in literature."--Thomas McKinley, University of Missouri, Kansas City
"The organization along the lines of Campbell's theory is unique and intriguing."--Norman Leer, Roosevelt University
"This selection corresponds well to the quest in medieval literature."--Carol Pulham, Cedar Crest College
"Super book! A great break between novels. Excellent introductions."--Joel Rudinger, Firelands College
