From the legends of Gilgamesh to the modern memoir, storytelling and reading are an integral part of our lives. Great literature can shape and form thoughts and opinions as well as influence politics and predict the future. Reading can truly enrich lives, but it is not necessarily easy to get the most out of a great work of literature.

The Handy Literature Answer Book: Understand and Enjoy Meanings, Symbolism, and Signs in Great Works is an engaging look at literature basics such as themes, symbols, context, and other literary devices. Various literary forms, including novels, poems, plays, short stories, and nonfiction, are analyzed. Hundreds of great works are used as illustrative examples. It deciphers and analyzes great works through in-depth answers to nearly 400 common questions, including How is reading literature different from other kinds of reading?" "How do you recognize the difference between story and plot in a short story?" and "What defines a novel?"

Daniel S. Burt, Ph.D. received his doctorate degree in English and American Literature from New York University. He has more than 30 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in writing and literature at NYU, Wesleyan University, Trinity College, Northeastern, Wentworth Institute, and Cape Cod Community College. He served for almost a decade as a dean at Wesleyan University. Burt is the author of Understanding Literature, Next Thinking; Literary 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Novelists, Playwrights, and Poets of All Time; The Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time; and The Chronology of American Literature.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
World Literature Timeline

1. What is Literature and How to Read It
2. Why Read Literature & How NOT to Read It
3. Poetry
4. Short Stories
5. The Novel
6. Drama
7. Literary Nonfiction
8. Critical Approaches to Literature

Appendix 1-Glossary of Essential Literary Terms
Appendix 2-Listing of Selected Essential Poems, Stories, Novels, and Dramas
Bibliography
Index