They Say / I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing

Writing

The essential little book that students love for demystifying academic writing, reading, and research.

Millions of students love They Say / I Say because it offers lively and practical advice they can use throughout their college career (and beyond). Now, students will learn how to use narrative to energize their “I Say,” navigate generative AI tools responsibly, and engage more deeply with their assigned readings in a dynamic new Norton Illumine Ebook― making the Sixth Edition an even more useful tool for students throughout their college experience.

The Norton Guide to AP© Literature: Writing & Skills

Writing

The Norton Guide to AP® Literature, written by master teachers, provides all the instruction that students need to succeed in the course. The book unpacks and demystifies the skills central to the course and offers four chapters on writing that walk students through the process of close reading and illustrate strategies for effective writing. Targeted, scaffolded lessons and two full practice AP® exams in the new 2025 format will make all AP® Literature students confident in their ability to succeed in the class and on the exam.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Understanding Literature

Reading Fiction

While books can be enjoyed for their basic stories, there are often deeper literary meanings beneath the surface. How to Read Literature Like a Professor helps us to discover those hidden truths by looking at literature with the practiced analytical eye—and the literary codes—of a college professor.

What does it mean when a protagonist is traveling along a dusty road? When he hands a drink to his companion? When he’s drenched in a sudden rain shower? Thomas C. Foster provides answers to these questions as he explores every aspect of fiction, from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form. Offering a broad overview of literature—a world where a road leads to a quest, a shared meal may signify a communion, and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just a shower—he shows us how to make our reading experience more intellectually satisfying and fun.

Edith Hamilton's Mythology

Reading Fiction

Since its original publication in 1942, Edith Hamilton's Mythology has sold millions of copies throughout the world and established itself as a perennial bestseller. For nearly 80 years, readers have chosen Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes above all other books to discover the enchanting world of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology—from Odysseus's adventure-filled journey to Odin's effort to postpone the final day of doom. This deluxe, hardcover edition is illustrated throughout with specially commissioned, original artwork and beautifully illustrated lineages, making it a true collector's item.

This makes a great resource for learning Greek and Roman Allusions.

Perrine's Sound and Sense: An Introduction to Poetry

Reading Poetry

There's no better way for you to learn about poetry and understand its elements than with PERRINE'S SOUND AND SENSE. Both a concise introduction to poetry and an anthology, this classic best-seller succinctly covers the basics of poetry with chapters on evaluating poetry, exemplary poetry selections that you'll enjoy reading, and exercises that help you understand each selection. Every poem included in this collection is not only a perfect illustration of the poetic concept at hand, but a remarkable work in its own right.

A History of the World in 6 Glasses

Literary Eras

Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola: In Tom Standage's deft, innovative account of world history, these six beverages turn out to be much more than just ways to quench thirst. They also represent six eras that span the course of civilization-from the adoption of agriculture, to the birth of cities, to the advent of globalization. A History of the World in 6 Glasses tells the story of humanity from the Stone Age to the twenty-first century through each epoch's signature refreshment. As Standage persuasively argues, each drink is in fact a kind of technology, advancing culture and catalyzing the intricate interplay of different societies. After reading this enlightening book, you may never look at your favorite drink in quite the same way again.

Standage offers a unique and entertaining way of exploring the periods of world history, with some reference for how it shapes the literature of the time.

Aesthetics from Classical Greece to the Present

Literary Eras

This is a deep, deep look into Literary Eras and how they are shaped by the philosophy of their time, especially how the development of philosophy shapes how each era thinks about the idea of Beauty and Art. Including many references to the major philosophers of history, such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Schleiermacher, and more, this is the definitive, graduate-school level introduction to Art throughout world history.