Meilensteine der Weltliteratur (Neu) Reihe

In this accessible introduction to Dante's Divine Comedy Kirkpatrick principally focuses on Dante as a poet and storyteller. He addresses important questions such as Dante's attitude towards Virgil, and demonstrates how an early work such as the Vita nuova is a principal source of the literary achievement of the Comedy.

Paul Cantor provides a new and clearly structured introduction to Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. Hamlet's status as tragic hero and the central enigma of the delayed revenge are seen in the light of the play's historical place in the Renaissance at the crossroads of the Christian and the classical traditions. The dramatic and poetic techniques used in the play are discussed, and a final chapter deals with the uniquely varied reception of Hamlet on the stage and in literature generally, from the seventeenth century to the present day.

In this engaging 2004 introduction, Vincent Sherry combines a close reading of Ulysses with critical arguments. This book is essential reading for all students of Joyce, whether they are approaching Ulysses for the first time or returning to the text.

This handy guide to Albert Camus' The Stranger is essential reading for students.

This handy guide will introduce students to a text that has been fundamental to literature for nearly 3000 years.