An epic tale of Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War forms one of the earliest and greatest works of Western literature. Confronted by natural and supernatural threats - shipwrecks, battles, monsters and the implacable enmity of the sea-god Poseidon - Odysseus must test his bravery and cunning to the full.

'York Notes' offer an approach to English literature that aims to fully reflect student needs. They are filled with summaries, commentaries, exam advice, margin and textual features to offer a wider context to the text and encourage a critical analysis.

One of Shakespeare's greatest, but also bloodiest tragedies, was written around 1605 to 1606. Many have seen the story of Macbeth's murder and usurpation of the legitimate Scottish King Duncan as having obvious connection to contemporary issues regarding King James I (James VI of Scotland), and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. King James was particularly fascinated with witchcraft, so the appearance of the witches chanting"Fair is foul, and foul is fair" at the opening of the play seemed particularly topical, as was Macbeth's betrayal of Banquo, from whom James claimed direct descent.

However, the play is clearly far more than a piece of royal entertainment. It is also a fast-moving and dramatically satisfying piece of theatre. Macbeth's existential struggle between loyalty to his King and his"Vaulting ambition" is fascinating to watch, as his is struggle with Lady Macbeth, and her own terrifying refusal of her maternal role. The play shows an intensification of Shakespeare's interest in mothers and their effect upon ruling masculinity, and also contains some of the most memorable speeches in the entire canon, including Macbeth's reflections that ultimately life"is a tale/Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/Signifying nothing". -- Jerry Brotton

An anthology of statements in literary theory which include influential texts in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Postcolonialism and International Studies. It enables students to familiarise themselves with the developments in literary theory and with the traditions from which these theories derive.

A collection of essays that explores the myths of mass culture. It deciphers the symbols and signs embedded deep in familiar aspects of modern life, unmasking the hidden ideologies and meanings which implicitly affect our thought and behaviour.

In this hilarious book, the irrepressible Fox in Socks teaches a baffled Mr. Knox some of the slickest, quickest tongue-twisters in town.

At last...the Number 1 bestselling writer offers a unique insight into his life and work as well as inspiring advice and instruction on writing.

A deck filled with 365 channelled meditations, offering comforting and uplifting messages, to set a positive and healing tone for the day.

Winnie the Pooh: Complete Collection of Stories and PoemsASIN: 0416199615Binding: Hard cover

Examines the themes of presence and absence, the relationship between photography and theatre, history and death. This title offers an investigation into the nature of photographs.

Presents the author's memories of his life as an unknown writer living in Paris in the 1920s. Looking back at his younger self, and at the other writers who shared Paris with him - like James Joyce, Wyndham Lewis, Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein - this title recalls the time when, poor, happy and writing in cafes, he discovered his vocation.

Abracadabra spells 'excellent instrumental tutors' and the Abracadabra approach to learning through songs and tunes has set countless beginners on a clear path of progress and enjoyment with their chosen instrument. Now in a third edition, Abracadabra Woodwind has a fresh and contemporary new look and is fully updated.

Full of analysis and interpretation, historical background, discussions and commentaries, York Notes will help you get right to the heart of the text you're studying, whether it's poetry, a play or a novel.

Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabeth's England, awaits a visit from the Queen. Now, an ambassador in Costantinople, awakes to find that he is a woman.

'York Notes' offer an approach to English literature that aims to fully reflect student needs. They are filled with summaries, commentaries, exam advice, margin and textual features to offer a wider context to the text and encourage a critical analysis.

The Nation's Favourite Poems , reprinted many times over since it was first published by BBC Worldwide Books in 1996, is an uplifting and inspiringly varied collection of great poems.The late, lamented Auberon Waugh called it"the best popular anthology ever printed in Britain."

Poetry anthologies abound, in infinite variety. Themed volumes range in usefulness, from time to place, to subject. But aside from containing the odd classic and a few modern masterpieces, the remainder is often there because it fits the description and not necessarily because it is great poetry. How wonderful then to read a poetry anthology where every poem, without exception, is worth reading and, more importantly with poetry, worth keeping on your bookshelves to read again and again.

The book is based on the result of a poll conducted in 1995 by The Bookworm , to coincide with National Poetry Day. And an eclectic collection it is, with the heavyweights, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Marvell and Wordsworth, rubbing shoulders with their latter-day counterparts, Larkin, Hughes, Heaney and McGough. Romantics are well served with Yeats, Keats, Tennyson and Shelley. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's"How Do I Love Thee" is here, as is Christina Rossetti¹s"Remember." The Great British Public shows its lighter side, with"The Owl and the Pussycat,""Jabberwocky,""Macavity: the Mystery Cat" and children's favourite, Allan Ahlberg's"Please Mrs Butler." But it commemorates the horrors of the century too, with the war poets, Wilfred Owen and Rupert Brooke.

And the Nation's Favourite? Well, as this is no novel with a surprise ending to give away, Rudyard Kipling's"If" received twice as many votes as the runner-up, Tennyson's"The Lady of Shalott." There are 98 other poems to savour here, so if Kipling's not your style, try Stevie Smith or Jenny Joseph.

At any price, this is a must-have poetry anthology. Buy a copy for everyone you know with a birthday this year. And don't forget yourself!-- Carey Green