An all-in-one reference volume, it will enhance the reading pleasure of anyone who wants to understand writers in their historical setting and relate them to their predecessors, contemporaries, and successors. Its analysis of literary works focus on content, importance, style, and the relationship to other writing. From the myths and poems of the ancients to the radical works that changed the course of modern thought, The Reader's Companion to World Literature charts a map of the human condition as rich, fascinating, and diverse as the world itself. The Reader's Companion to World Literature Includes A-to-Z Listings on Authors--supplies dates of life and works in critical evaluations of everyone from Herodotus to Hemingway. Titles--describes in detail the most important, mentioning pertinent movements and influences from Beowulf to Cherry Orchard. Literary Movements--defines aims, techniques, styles, and settings of classicism, Impressionism, and many others. Historical Periods--explains background, ideals, and settings for authors and works from classical antiquity to the Renaissance. Technical Terms and Phrases--essential tools for students to understand and use in their study of literature, from "assonance" to "trope."

    Orphaned Shane Madden comes to Dublin looking for his Uncle Tim, and finds work at The Four Masters Bookshop.