Books in Cliffsnotes 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 Henry V (the final play in Shakespeare's political tetralogy), you once again meet young Prince Hal who is now the ideal Christian monarch, King Henry V. To retain power and increase revenue, he finds he must lead his soldiers in battle against France to reclaim land and titles.A character study on King Henry V and a close look at sixteenth century politics shed light on the Bard's intentions for the play. You'll also explore synopses of the three related history plays that lead up to Henry V. Count on CliffsNotes on Henry V for detailed summaries and commentaries on every scene to help you appreciate the complexity of the play.Other features that help you study include A list of characters and their rolesAn interactive quizEssay topics and review questionsClassic 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 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 The Taming of the Shrew, you explore one of Shakespeare's most beloved, and imitated, works. In this play within a play, Petruchio, the man from Verona, marries Kate (the shrew of the story), so that Kate's younger sister Bianca may be allowed to take on several suitors and choose one to marry.Summaries and commentaries lead you, act by act, through this Shakespearean classic, and critical essays give you insight into Shakespeare's historical basis for the play, as well as role playing in The Taming of the Shrew. Other features that help you study includeCharacter analyses of the main charactersA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersA section on the life and background of William ShakespeareA 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 expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.CliffsNotes on St. Augustine’s Confessions takes you on a story of conversion – actually several conversions: to Manichaeism; to the pursuit of truth; to an intellectual acceptance of Christianity; and finally to an emotional acceptance of Christian faith. The Confessions is in one sense Augustine’s personal story, but it is also a mythological work about humanity’s quest to discover true peace and satisfaction.Examine the many layers of this masterpiece with help from a study guide you can trust. You'll also gain insight into the background and influences of the author. Other features that help you study include Chapter by chapter summaries and commentariesCritical essaysA 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 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 Tess of the d'Urbervilles, you explore Thomas Hardy's literary classic as the author challenges many of the Victorian sensibilities of the 19th century by writing about such topics as immoral sex, murder, illegitimate children, and the unmarried living together. In the novel, you follow the journey of Tess as early events in her life lead her down the road to tragic ruin.Chapter summaries and commentaries take you through Tess's journey, and critical essays give you insight into Hardy's view on religion, as well as his use of setting and comparisons. Other features that help you study includeCharacter analyses of the main charactersA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersA section on the life and background of Thomas HardyA review section that tests your knowledgeA ResourceCenter 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 expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.CliffsNotes on Faulkner’s Short Stories explores five of William Faulkner’s psychologically complex narratives: A Rose for Emily, That Evening Sun, Barn Burning, Dry September, and Spotted Horses.Follow a common thread of Southern mores and prejudices as the author from Mississippi masterfully creates enduring settings and characters. This concise supplement includes commentaries and glossaries on all five short stories. Other features that help you understand these important works areBackground on the authorAn introduction to YoknapatawphaCounty, the mythical county seating of Faulkner’s makingCritical essay on the author’s styleAn interactive quiz, review questions, and suggested essay topicsClassic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

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.CliffsNotes on The Return of the Native carries you through this timeless romantic classic about an ambitious beauty and the two men who will seemingly sacrifice everything to claim her. CliffsNotes helps you explore this novel by providing you with summaries and commentaries, book by book. You’ll also gain insight into the author Thomas Hardy, and discover what led him to write The Return of the Native. Other features that help you study includeA list of characters and their descriptionsAnalyses of the main characters to unravel their motivationsCritical essays on the theme, setting, and point of view of the novel, and moreReview questions and essay topicsA selected bibliography for more studyClassic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

REA's MAXnotes for Alex Haley's The Autobiography of Malcolm X 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.