THE BEDFORD INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE invites readers "to move beyond the inevitable boundaries of [their] own lives" through its 45 stories, over 350 poems, and 17 plays. Complementing this rich selec- tion of literature are a number of features and innovations designed to enhance the apprecia- tion and enjoyment of literature as well as to facilitate writing about it.

The in-depth treatment of selected major authors for each genre exposes readers to a wider sam- pling than in most other literature anthol- ogies to offer valuable contexts for studying them. There are four stories each by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Flannery O'Connor, more than a dozen poems each by Frost and Keats, and three plays by Shakespeare (a tragedy, a comedy, and a history). Substantial essays on the featured authors provide important bio- graphical and background information, and "Contexts for Reading" offer a variety of sec- ondary materials such as excerpts from letters, journals, and critical commentaries.

Albums of contemporary selections collect some of the best current writing in each genre. The five stories, thirteen poems, and four plays - all published within the last ten years - often parallel earlier selections to provide interesting options for class discussion and writing assignments.

"Perspectives" on each genre and on selected authors and works are collected in the last chap- ter of each genre section. These provocative secondary materials on anthologized authors and selections include excerpts from journals, letters, interviews, and student and profes- sional criticism. The "Perspectives" chapters add an exciting dimension to class discussion and writing topics, and suggestions are provided for both.