Stuart Hirschberg

Enjoyable collection of essays, although the editors are idiots so you have to ignore their introductions.

For courses that consider the essay a form of literature. The idea is how well light is shed, from "classic" to modern writers.

Includes 119 nonfiction selections across a broad range of topics and styles. 26 short stories, 49 poems, and two plays.

Ch 1: "Reflections on Experience" - reminiscences on the turning points in the authors' lives.

Ch 2: "Influential People and Memorable Places" - biography, landscape, architectural wonders.

Ch 3: "The Human Condition" - insights into adolescence, show more elders, sexuality, death, and culture.

Ch 4: "Value of Education" - self-discovery.

Ch 5: "Perspectives on Language" - importance of communication, danger of propaganda, pornography.

Ch 6: "Issues in Society" - inequality, racism, AIDS, abortion, consumerism, quick fixes.

Ch 7: "Natural World" - nature writing, interactions.

Ch 8: "Historical Dimension" - important events, and how Past shapes Future.

Ch 9: "Individual and State" - allegiance owed to government, protection of individual rights, citizenship.

Ch 10: " Discoveries in Science and Technology" - the mixed blessings.

Ch 11: "The Artistic Impulse" - how art deepens and changes.

Ch 12: "Ethical, Philosophical, and Religious Issues" - Faith, good and evil, meaning and value of life (suicide), allocations of resources.

Contains discussion of the Chapter Themes, biographical sketches of authors, and Questions for discussion. show less