Literature: The Human Experience

by Richard Abcarian, Marvin Klotz

A proven classroom favorite for more than three decades, this anthology continues to appeal to students and instructors with its broad range of enticing stories, poems, plays, and essays and its flexible structure. The arrangement by both theme and genre encourages students to think deeply about crucial topics while they learn about the four main genres of literature. The new edition provides a broader selection of works -- including many from non-Western traditions -- and more help for reading literature.

Genres: Literature, Reference, Short Stories, Anthologies, Textbooks, Poetry, Education

1379 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Sarina M]

This is a college textbook I was assigned and I read a lot of excerpts from stories, poems, and essays, (but probably less than half of the ones in this book). I have a really nice memory of my mom looking through this book and getting excited when she saw poems/essays she recognized. It was really fun taking with her about them. I am happy I have this book for reference, but I don't think I will ever read this cover to cover.

[Donna]

This was an anthology so it is pretty diverse. It was the textbook for an English Comp II course but I read extra out of it as well.
I challenged myself by looking at & trying to answer some of the conclusion questions. Not very helpful if you're doing it on an individual basis. You kinda need that feedback.
It was a fair to good text.

[Mir]

This was the text we used for the stupid required "Expository Writing" course in college.
As far as I recall it was fine, as textbooks go.

[TimetoFangirl]

This was a textbook that read like a textbook. 'Nough said.

[Ashley Berkley]

It's a text book but still a great diverse read

[Venus Smurf]

I chose this for one of my basic English courses, and it's been a great pick so far. The book offers a very nice selection of short stories, plays, and poetry, and it has several sections to help students with formal writing assignments. It hasn't been too expensive, at least for a textbook, which always helps.

[Kassidy]

The eleventh edition has marks and notes all over the pages. This anthology is what made me decide to pursue English as my major in college. (Graduated now). Little did I know this would be the most interesting of the entire major aside from a "Non-European Female Author" class I took. This anthology is absolutely incredible and has such a great variety of powerful writing.

[CherylAnn]

The arrangement of this was great, placing the works into progressive life categories: "Innocence/Experience", "Conformity/Rebellion", "Love/Hate", "Death/Dying" .There were some that could, IMO, be skipped, but only a very few. Very worthwhile reading, especially if you enjoy poetry.

[Amanda K]

Wonderful collection that I read primarily during my angsty senior year of high school. I remember thinking it was beautifully organized and did capture something of the human spirit.

[Lauren]

timely and personally meaningful over years.

[Bill Shannon]

7th edition. Changed my life. No exaggeration.

[Connor]

awesome

[Michi Martin]

I've had this book for years and I still go back to it and reread my favorites. I refer to it regularly. It introduced me to some of my favorite authors and poets.