Contains profiles of twelve novels, each including an introduction to the story and its author, a plot summary, descriptions of characters, analysis of themes and style, discussion of historical context, a critical overview, and other related information.

This volume, focusing on European culture, society, ideas, and economics, presents entries with a brief statement of opposing points of view, a summary of the issue, and two or more essays giving the sides of the dispute.

This work covers hotly contested social issues in America today-everything from abortion, academic freedom, and affirmative action to consumer debt, homeland security, illegal immigration, poverty and wealth, reproductive rights, and terrorism. Each entry discusses the historical origins of a particular debate or controversy; the means for dealing with it in the past; current perspectives and arguments; and the implications for society in the near-...

Young readers are fascinated by how the things around them are constructed. This volume will answer many of the questions they have, by first addressing the job of civil engineers and then explaining how some of the world's greatest engineering marvels were built. Students will learn how tunnels such as the English Channel Tunnel are built under water; how dams like the Hoover Dam are built and the purpose they serve a community; and why the Panama...

Provides analysis and criticism of recent novels and other works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama.

Contains plot summaries, analyses, and selected criticism of eighteen novels and other works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that have made news, including "The Closers," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "The Nanny Diaries," and others.

Explores the history of the struggle for women's rights in the United States from the colonial period to the present.

A comprehensive, five-volume set, Concise Major 21st-Century Writers profiles today's most outstanding and widely known writers. Clearly written in an easy-to-use format, it collects detailed biographical and bibliographical information on approximately 700 authors who are most often studied in college and high school.

Each volume provides discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Includes concise synopses of plot, characters and themes, a brief author biography, discussion of the story's cultural and historical significance, and excerpted criticism.

Triggered by its invasion of Kuwait, Iraq was pitted against a 32-nation coalition of forces commanded by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose air attacks led the way for a ground war that met with success in less than four days.