Books in Literature Guides series

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, you explore Ken Kesey's best-known work, one that challenges the preconceived ideas of what constitutes sanity and insanity. A mistakenly undertaken power struggle in an insane asylum results in a suicide, a murder, and a liberation, and leaves the reader with a paradoxical feeling that both disturbs and pleases.This study guide carefully walks you through the novel by providing summaries and critical analyses of each section. You'll also explore the life and background of the author, Ken Kesey, and gain insight into how he came to write One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Other features that help you study includeCharacter analyses of major playersA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersCritical essays on topics like the role of women and the comparison between the film and novelA review section that tests your knowledgeA Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sitesClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer summaries and expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on Julius Caesar, you follow the dramatic political battles of Rome during the height of the Pax Romanum. Shakespeare pits Caesar against an untold number of conspirators and lets the daggers fly. In the end, who will carry on the rule of the Caesars?This user-friendly guide makes studying a snap—with visual icons flagging key themes, literary devices, and more. You'll come to understand the overall structure of the play, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author. Features that help you study includeShakespeare's background and career highlightsScene-by-scene summariesCharacter analyses of major playersA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersCritical essaysA review section that tests your knowledgeGlossaries of key words and termsClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

REA's MAXnotes for The Beowulf Poet's Beowulf MAXnotes offer a fresh look at masterpieces of literature, presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Written by literary experts who currently teach the subject, MAXnotes will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the work. MAXnotes are designed to stimulate independent thought about the literary work by raising various issues and thought-provoking ideas and questions. MAXnotes cover the essentials of what one should know about each work, including an overall summary, character lists, an explanation and discussion of the plot, the work's historical context, illustrations to convey the mood of the work, and a biography of the author. Each chapter is individually summarized and analyzed, and has study questions and answers.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature.CliffsNotes on The Count of Monte Cristo takes you into a rollicking yarn of adventure, wit, and revenge.Following the story of a man imprisoned for 14 years who escapes by outsmarting his captors, this study guide shows through its expert commentaries just how the Count works justice with a vengeance on his enemies. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeLife and background of the author, Alexandre DumasCharacter sketches on the novel's vast array of personalitiesPlot synopsis and summaries for each chapterSuggested essay topics and a select bibliographyClassic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Everything You Need for Successful Literature Circles That Get Kids Thinking, Talking, Writing--and Loving LiteratureLiterature circles--Yes you can!This one-of-a-kind guide to running literature circles, based on C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, shows teachers how to organize small discussion groups that work! Includes stimulating questions and writing prompts that motivate students.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on Walden, you discover the most important work of Henry David Thoreau—his exploration of the transcendentalist's striving to realize the possibility of one's own perfection and divinity. What results is an account of Thoreau's two-year stay at Walden Pond, as he celebrates nature as he moves toward spiritual rebirth and fulfillment.Chapter summaries and commentaries take you through Thoreau's journey, and essays help you understand the Transcendentalist movement and Thoreau's place in it. Other features that help you study includeA section on the life and background of Henry David ThoreauA section of essay questions and theme topicsA selected bibliographyClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.CliffsNotes on Don Quixote looks into the story of a man who seeks truth and justice with an internal vision so strong as to see through the illusion of external appearances.Following the journey of a gentle (and mad) knight, this study guide provides summaries and commentaries for each chapter within this popular—and long—novel. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeBiographical sketch and background of the author, CervantesEssays that explore the author's technique, style, and characterizationExplanation and examples of the novel's themes of quixotism, truth and justice, and reality and fantasySuggested discussion questionsBibliography and list of other works by CervantesClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

REA's MAXnotes for Homer's The IlliadMAXnotes offer a fresh look at masterpieces of literature, presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Written by literary experts who currently teach the subject, MAXnotes will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the work. MAXnotes are designed to stimulate independent thought about the literary work by raising various issues and thought-provoking ideas and questions.MAXnotes cover the essentials of what one should know about each work, including an overall summary, character lists, an explanation and discussion of the plot, the work's historical context, illustrations to convey the mood of the work, and a biography of the author. Each chapter is individually summarized and analyzed, and has study questions and answers.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into key elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the familiar format.CliffsNotes on The Fountainhead explores the modern classic that made Ayn Rand famous. The book carried forth the author’s anti-communist ideals and conviction that individuals should not allow their lives to be dominated in any way by the beliefs of others.Following the story of architect Howard Roark as he attempts to achieve success on his own terms, this study guide provides summaries and critical commentaries for each part within the novel. Other features that help you figure out this important work includePersonal background on the author, including a look at the philosophy she termed “Objectivism”Introduction to and synopsis of the bookIn-depth analyses of a broad cast of charactersCritical essays on the author’s writing style and moreReview section that features interactive questions and suggested essay topics and practice projectsResourceCenter with books, film and audio recordings, and Web sites that can help round out your knowledgeClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.