This compact anthology provides a thorough introduction to the
major works of the Western literary tradition from Antiquity to
1700. It includes excerpts from seventy texts composed in eight
ancient and modern languages and in genres as diverse as epic,
lyric, and dramatic verse; prose narrative including story,
romance, and novel; and non-fiction prose including autobiography,
biography, letter, speech, dialogue, and essay. Contents include
selections from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and works by
Homer, Euripides, Virgil, Ovid, Saint Augustine, Dante, Chaucer,
Machiavelli, Montaigne, Shakespeare, Milton, and many more. Further
distinguishing this collection is the inclusion of works by women
writers often overlooked in other literary anthologies, including
works by Sappho, Margery Kempe, Marie de France, Christine de
Pizan, and others. Margaret L. King's clear, engaging introductions
and notes support an informed reading of the texts while extending
reader's knowledge of particular authors and problems of
interest. See available book previews to view the entire Table
of Contents, or visit www.hackettpublishing.com for more
information. The Western Literary Tradition's modest length
and cost allow for the use of full-length works—many of which are
available in Hackett Publishing's own well-regarded and inexpensive
translations and editions—alongside the anthology without adding
undue cost to a reader's total textbook fees.