A critical overview of the work features such contributors as Sidonie Ann Smith, Sondra O'Neale, Pierre A. Walker, and George E. Kent.

- Comprehensive reading and study guides for some of the world's most important literary masterpieces - Concise critical excerpts provide a scholarly overview of each work - "The Story Behind the Story" details the conditions under which the work was written - Each book includes a biographical sketch of the author, a descriptive list of characters, an extensive summary and analysis, and an annotated bibliography