I'll be taking an AP literature course next year and want to get a head start during the summer. I was thinking it would be really beneficial to get hold of a typical literature textbook used in college. Does anybody know what the most used ones are?
Sure, I'd be happy to help. College literature courses often use anthologies rather than individualized textbooks because they can cover a large array of works and authors in a single volume. Here are some commonly used textbooks in college-level literature courses:
1. "The Norton Anthology of English Literature" published by W. W. Norton & Company. This anthology is often used in British literature courses, because it presents a comprehensive historical survey of British literature.
2. "The Norton Anthology of American Literature" also by W. W. Norton & Company. Similarly, this anthology is for American literature and is often used in corresponding courses.
3. "The Norton Anthology of World Literature" is another great volume used in world literature courses. It covers works from different countries and cultures, allowing students to compare and understand the progression of literature globally.
4. For more specialized courses, such as poetry or drama, "The Norton Anthology of Poetry" and "The Norton Anthology of Drama" are often used.
5. "Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing" by Roberts and Zweig is also commonly used in introductory literature courses as it covers both reading literary works and writing about them.
Remember, though, that literature courses can vary greatly depending on the school and the individual professor, so these books might not be the exact ones you'll use in your course. It's always a good idea to reach out to your future instructor or check the syllabus beforehand to make sure you're purchasing the right materials. Happy studying!
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