The Norton Anthology of English Literature, vol. 1

This book is very useful as an anthology for undergraduate studies - as a reference tool, it has proved invaluable for getting quick references, from the early works (Chaucer, Spenser, etc.) to the eighteenth century. Because my copy is a combination of four individual books, it also saves some shelf space, making it quite the doorstopper, but, in the long run, making it necessary. It is recommended for first year undergraduates in English. ( )

This is one of the books I need to read for my studies. A must-have, excellent source of information since not only pure English literature is included but comments and explanations as well.

For me, Norton is one of the top publishers around, and this is an excellent anthology. Very nice edition - something I know I'll use either for reference or just some fun. ( )

Yet another Norton anthology. Good reading selections, overall. The annotations are helpful, and the introductory essays are informative yet brief. I do recommend reading those essays, since they tend to pinpoint the most important parts of the reading selection as well as provide history on the piece or the author. Of course, there is that tissue-thin bible paper that makes highlighting impossible (here's a tip: use neon colored crayons). And, thick and heavy as it is, its not the most comfortable of books. ( )

Read this in college and loved it. ( )