First published 2017
This affordable literary collection brings together writers across centuries and cultures. Classic American voices like Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson share pages with Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes. Contemporary authors including Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri, Junot Díaz, Joy Harjo, and Rita Dove represent modern fiction and poetry. The anthology spans three genres: fiction, poetry, and drama. Gardner assembles works that demonstrate both literary tradition and contemporary innovation. Students and general readers gain access to essential American and international writers without the expense of multiple volumes. The collection balances historical significance with current relevance, offering readers a comprehensive yet portable introduction to literary voices that have shaped and continue to reshape the literary landscape.
Genres: fiction, drama, anthologies, american-fiction, 20th-century, american, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Mallard residence
Period: 19th century
1458 pages · Paperback · Bedford/St. Martin's