"The Fourth Edition includes 40 readings (22 of which are NEW) that represent a multitude of perspectives organized around 5 conversations. Michelle Alexander on mass incarceration; Sherry Turkle on romance in a digital age; J.D. Vance on the American Dream that is vanishing for so many American--these are just a few examples of the readings that will prompt students to listen, think, and write"--
The best-selling book on academic writing--in use at more than 1,500 schools.
The first and still one of the best critiques of post-1960s cultural radicalism, analyzing why and how the defenders of literature have gone wrong. A wonderfully trenchant and illuminating inquiry.-Virginia Quarterly Review.
Exploring the evolution of literary studies, the book reveals the historical debates that shaped modern literature departments. Gerald Graff presents a compelling narrative that connects past controversies over teaching literature to contemporary cultural conflicts, highlighting how these discussions have persisted over time. With a blend of readability and humor, it offers insights into the foundational ideas that continue to influence the profession today.