“Understanding ...” (Casebooks)

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Open up classic English texts to other subjects!
“Student Casebooks to Issues, Sources and Historical Documents”
These collections of documents and analyses open up systematic interdisciplinary perspectives on much-read English texts.
Level: Well suited to Gymnasium/Seminarium level projects in partnership with other subjects such as History and Danish. Also for students writing papers.
NB! Order in good time. Some of these books aren't stocked in the UK at the moment and there may be 3 weeks delivery time!

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0313302014

Understanding Animal Farm

This book examines the historical, political and literary issues raised by the novel. Animal Farm's stinging moral warning against the abuse of power is documented through a wide variety of historical, political, and literary documents that are directly applicable to the novel. Included are passages from the Soviet press; excerpts from personal memoirs and correspondence; original translations from Russian and East German sources that show the meaning of Animal Farm for those nations' readers; and historical and political sources on Marxism, the Russian Revolution, the Cold War, and Glasnost. Many of these documents have not been available in print before. The book also includes literary analysis and the relation of George Orwell's life to the writing of the novel. Author: Professor John Rodden. Hardback. (224pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313302006

Understanding The Catcher in the Rye

In addition to a literary analysis of the novel, this text acquaints students with the larger world in which Holden Caulfield moves: Hollywood films; Broadway plays; and jazz musicians etc. It also presents a detailed account of the censorship challenges to the novel. There are excerpts from interviews, newspaper articles, Supreme Court cases, sociological studies, etc. Each of the six chapters takes on a different issue about the novel. "Literary Analysis" gives an overview of its themes, characters, and literary techniques. "Censorship of The Catcher in the Rye" tackles the many controversies since the book's publication in 1951. "America's Postwar Culture" discusses the conformity and materialism that marked the period. "Holden Caulfield on the Analyst's Couch" discusses adolescence, both then and now. Each chapter concludes with study questions, topics for written or oral exploration, and suggested readings. Authors: Professor Sanford Pinsker and Ann Pinsker. Hardback. (172pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
9780313301216

Understanding The Crucible

This interdisciplinary casebook provides primary historical documents and commentary on The Crucible within the context of two relevant historical periods: the Salem witch-trials of 1692 and the "Red Scare" of the 1950s, when the play was written. The play is a testimony to the inherent dangers Miller sees in any community seized by hysteria. The Salem witch-hunts, which Miller uses to illustrate such a community, were echoed more than 250 years later in the hunt for subversives during the "Red Scare" of the 1950s. The authors provide literary and dramatic analysis of the play, comprehensive historical backgrounds, relevant documents of the periods, and questions and projects to help students in their understanding of the issues raised. In a discussion of Puritan society of the seventeenth century, documents illustrate their beliefs and the disasters that contributed to community hysteria. A chapter on the Salem witch trials includes testimony, letters, and first person accounts by actual people on which Miller based his characters. A chapter on the "Red Scare" of the 1950s features testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee, case studies of blacklisted people, and an exclusive interview with a couple who were blacklisted. The authors include a chapter on witch-hunting in the 1990s in the form of testimony from preschoolers which sent child care workers to prison on charges of sexual abuse. Authors: Claudia Durst Johnson and Vernon E. Johnson. Hardback. (256 pages)
Contents: Literary Analysis — Primed for Hysteria — Witchcraft in Salem — Witch-Hunts in the 1950s — 1990s Witch-Hunts
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects

9780313335082

Understanding Cry, the Beloved Country

Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country (1948) is one of the most influential works of South African literature. The novel drew worldwide attention to the horrors of apartheid, a political institution promoting segregation and discrimination. Because of its historical and social issues, the novel is sometimes difficult for modern students to understand. But, because of the enduring plague of racism, it is all the more important for students to come to terms with the issues Paton raises. This book overviews Paton's novel and relates it to its social and political contexts. The book begins with an analysis of the novel and gives attention to adaptations and films based on it. It, then, overviews South African history. This is followed by a selection of primary documents related to the origin of apartheid, the history and work conditions of miners, the social and economic conditions in urban and rural areas, the challenges facing South African women, and the state of post-apartheid South Africa.While the book does much to illuminate Paton's novel, it additionally helps students use the novel to explore important social concerns still present in society. Author: Ngwarsungu Chiwengo. Hardback. (208 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313304025

Understanding Death of a Salesman

This collection of social, cultural and historical documents and popular materials, with linking explanations and commentary, should help the reader to study the play in the context of its time and cultural background and understand inherent conflicts within American society.  Themes highlighted by the documents include: Salesmanship and the changing face of business — business versus morality — the Protestant work ethic versus myths of success — the haves and the have-nots — the Depression — the myth of the golden West versus urban myth — sports and American values — gender and families — the culture of youth versus the culture of age — the social expectations of a typical American family in the late 1940s. Advertisements, song lyrics, speeches, how-to books and other readings help to promote an interdisciplinary study of the play. More than 70 short primary documents illustrate the cultural, social and historical milieu of the time in which the play takes place. the roles of fathers and mothers. Each chapter is followed by study questions, topics for writing and discussion, and a list of suggested reading. Author: Professor Brenda Murphy. Hardback. (224pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313305757

Understanding The Grapes of Wrath

This is a source of primary materials on the Great Depression and the plight of migrant farm workers, collected together to illuminate the historical and social context of The Grapes of Wrath. This casebook provides a rich selection of primary documents on the period and the plight of the migrant farm worker that brings to life the problems Steinbeck highlighted so explosively in the novel. Included are interviews with eyewitnesses to the Dust Bowl, firsthand accounts and investigative reports of the causes and effects of the Great Depression, letters, diaries and autobiographies of migrant farm workers in the 1930s, newspaper articles and editorials of the period, affidavits by union activists, and other unique materials. Each chapter is followed by study questions, topics for research papers, and further reading lists. Author: Professor Claudia Durst Johnson. Hardback. (224pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
9780313300974

Understanding The Great Gatsby

This interdisciplinary collection of commentary and materials will deepen the reader's understanding of the social, cultural, and historical milieu of the 1920s and their influence on Fitzgerald's novel. A wide variety of primary documents capture the flavor of the era and its notorious and flamboyant players. Included are newspaper stories, first person accounts, and congressional testimony from the scandals of the 1920s. Most of the documents included in this text are available in no other printed form. A chapter on the writing of the novel illuminates Fitzgerald's relationship to the literature of the 1920s. Chapters discuss the following topics: the scandals of the 1920s, "The Woman Question," the rich in the 1920s, and the novel then and now. Each section of the casebook contains study questions, topics for research papers and class discussion, and lists of further reading. Authors: Dalton Gross and Mary Jean Gross. Hardback. (192 pages)
Contents: Introduction: The Magic of The Great Gatsby — A Literary Analysis: What Makes The Great Gatsby Great? — The Great Gatsby and F. Scott Fitzgerald: Intertwining Life and Work — Why Be Honest? The Scandals of the 1920s — The Woman Question: Changes during the 1920s — Why Not Be Rich? Money in the 1920s — The Great Gatsby Then and Now
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313309396

Understanding Jane Eyre

This student casebook offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Charlotte Bronte's novel. As well as literary analysis, it also contextualizes the novel in terms of the historical social issues it confronts. Commentary is supplemented with primary documents from legal and medical treatises, magazine articles, letters, essays and first hand accounts. A personal biography written by Elizabeth Gaskell, an acquaintance of Br onte, offers a detailed account of the Cowan Bridge School which Charlotte attended and fictionalized in Jane Eyre. Teachers will find ideas for teaching these topics and for helping students see the connections between the novel and the social concerns it raises. There is close examination of such topics as the diagnosis and treatment of madness; inheritance and marriage law and custom; and female education. The issuesexamined are used to illuminate the situations and motivations of the main characters, including Jane, Mr. Rochester, and Bertha, the first wife locked in the attic. The final section is devoted to the ways these issues are being dealt with in the 21st century. Each section has ideas for written and oral exploration including role playing, debates, and writing assignments. Author: Professor Debra Teachman. Hardback. (232 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
9780313319365
smunderstandingkinglear

Understanding King Lear

Studying King Lear in its historical context sheds a great deal of light on important dramatic elements and topical references. This casebook helps students understand the literary and historical issues in King Lear as well as its contemporary applications. The work focuses on genre, character archetypes, themes and sources. There are three chapters which cover the themes of insanity in Shakespeare's day, kingship and the controversial reign of James I, and family ties in Shakespeare's day. A chapter on adaptations looks at modern re-tellings of King Lear's story. The final chapter helps readers appreciate the relation of King Lear to contemporary issues by focusing on the treatment of the elderly in our own society. Author: Donna Woodford. Hardback. (224 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
9780313312007

Understanding The Literature of World War I

This casebook helps students build bridges between WWI history and the fictional accounts provided by such works as All Quiet on the Western Front, A Farewell to Arms, and A Son at the Front. For each work, insightful analysis and historical context is provided. This unique casebook approach adds another layer of understanding for readers by relating the fiction to primary documents from the war years, including treaties, speeches, military reports, original propaganda, and personal journal accounts from soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Readers are exposed to a diversity of perspectives from the military leadership, diplomacy, soldiers in battle and families on the home front. A chronology helps readers situate the significant events described within the historic timeframe. This casebook is organized around five specific issues and themes that recur in the literature: 'War at the Front' explores actual military combat, 'Women and the Homefront' reveals the impact of tragic loss on families, and 'War Poetry' confronts the anti-war sentiment, expressed by poets such as Rupert Brooke, Siegfried Sassoon, and Wilfred Owen. 'Strategic Technology of Modern War' looks at the impact of progaganda and civilian bombing. A final chapter examines the aftermath of war with analysis of fictional works such as Tender is the Night and Mrs. Dalloway. Each chapter concludes with questions for classroom discussions and assignments as well as suggested further readings. Author: James H. Meredith. Hardback. (232 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313307237

Understanding Lord of the Flies

A book to help students understand a complex novel — this casebook probes the many layers of meaning in Golding's Lord of the Flies. It examines its literary, philosophical, historical, scientific and religious significance, integrating primary and secondary documents, with extracts from texts as diverse as the Bible and war crimes interviews.  First it offers literary analysis and critical overviews of characters and themes. Next, it deals with the concepts of civilization and savagery and British Imperialism, and then goes on to describe the British school system. It also covers religion as it relates to the novel and the nature of man from a biological perspective. Finally, the author explores why the novel is so pessimistic. Each chapter ends with a wide variety of discussion and essay questions and suggests readings and videos. Author: Kirstin Olsen. Hardback. (232pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
9780313296307
smunderstandingmacbeth

Understanding Macbeth

This interdisciplinary collection of primary materials and commentary about Shakespeare's Macbeth will help student and teacher explore historical, literary, theatrical, social, and political issues related to the play. It explores topics ranging from Shakespeare's stage to modern political events, from historical focus on the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and its influence on the play, to theatrical interest in the stage and performance, to thematic connections between Macbeth and modern events such as Watergate and the Oklahoma City bombing. Excerpted documents range from royal proclamations to court confessions, from an actor's journal to dramatic criticism, from a short story to movie reviews. Ideas for classroom discussion, student assignments, paper topics, and bibliographies provide additional sources for examining the play in context. "Dramatic Context" considers subjects such as the nature of tragedy, the historical source of the play (with timeline of Scottish history), and the language and thematic patterns within it. "Historical Context" includes a wide variety of seventeenth-century primary documents that bring the turbulent political context to life. Macbeth's journey to the present reveals how changing attitudes and expectations about acting styles, political viewpoints, and social values have influenced the play's performance and interpretation over the centuries. This resource book is ideal for teacher use and student research. Author: Faith Nostbakken. Hardback. (224 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
9780313310119

Understanding The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice raises important issues for our day, particularly anti-Semitism and the treatment of Jews. This casebook helps students interpret Shakespeare's plots, the sources that helped shape the play and the characters, and the thematic issues relating to justice, mercy and the bonds of human relationships. The themes discussed and documented include: Elizabethan marriage and women's matrimonial rights; Renaissance concepts of male friendship; legal, moral and religious views of usury; and the treatment of Jews in Venice and beyond. The concerns raised by the play are put into context with historical materials such as Sir Francis Bacon's essay Of Friendship, Henry Smith's 1591 A Preparative to Marriage, and Travel Accounts by Fynes Moryson that describe Venice and how Jews lived there in the early 1600s. This casebook also considers contemporary applications, with essays and editorials on current hate groups in the United States, the treatment of women, and male bonding. The Literary and Dramatic Analysis chapter introduces students to the many issues in the play. Six topic chapters examine the play in its historical context, combining expert discussion and primary documents, making this ideal for interdisciplinary study. Each topic section contains ideas for classroom discussions, research papers, and further suggested readings. Author: Jay L. Halio. Hardback. (200 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313299668

Understanding Of Mice and Men, The Red Pony and The Pearl

This text collection provides an understanding of the cultural background of Steinbeck's novels. It explores their pervasive theme of mankind's often futile struggle for a better existence. Although the novels are works of fiction, they provide a window on the history of the times they portray. This book illuminates the historical, social, economic, and regional background of each novel. Among the themes covered are: the pioneer days and life on the Western frontier — the early history of California and the gold rush — the plight of migrant worker during the Great Depression — the problems of the homeless and the hopeless — oppression in Mexico in the early 20th century. Documents include memoirs of mountain men and pioneers, books of travel, sociological studies, a political treatise, a journal, reports of U.S. commissions, a comic memoir, and an interview with a Salvation Army general who worked with the downtrodden during the 1930s. Most of these materials are not available in printed form anywhere else. Author: Professor Claudia Durst Johnson. Hardback. (232pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313301263

Understanding Pride and Prejudice

This text combines both analysis of the novel and excerpts from many primary documents of Austen's own time to help the reader to understand the complexities of both the novel and English society at the beginning of the 19th century, and to compare those issues to contemporary society. There are excerpts from 18th-and 19th-century etiquette books, moral treatises, histories of women, legal documents, newspapers, magazines and collections of letters. The plot of Pride and Prejudice turns on three aspects of early 19th-century English society: marriage as a social institution, inheritance laws and customs, and acceptable roles for women. Following a literary analysis of the novel, the casebook contains documents and commentary on the following topics: inheritance and marriage laws and customs, 18th-century views on marriage, the status of unmarried women, women's education and moral training, and issues in the 1980s and 1990s that can be contrasted with those in the novel. Among the documents are excerpts from Samuel Johnson, Daniel Defoe, William Godwin, Mary Wollstonecraft, advice from a mother to her absent daughters, and a number of letters on the "proper" role of women, their education and moral training. The final chapter of this book brings into focus the relevancies of Austen's function to present day readers and provides discussion of many of the issues of the novel as they are handled by law and the media at the end of the 20th century.  Each section of this casebook contains study questions, topics for research papers and class discussion. Author: Professor Debra Teachman. Hardback. (184 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects

9780313303494

Understanding A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun was first performed in 1959, before the civil rights and women's movements came to the fore, it raises issues of segregation, family strife, and relationships between men and women that are both representative of the time and timeless. This interdisciplinary collection of commentary and primary documents will give the reader an understanding of the historical and social context of the play. Primary materials shed light on integration and segregation in the 1950s and 1960s; relationships between African Americans and Africans; relationships between men and women within African American culture; Chicago as a literary setting for the play; and contemporary race relations in the 1990s. Documents include first-person accounts, magazine articles and editorials with opposing arguments, excerpts from the works of Toni Morrison, W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, bell hooks, Malcolm X, and Richard Wright, and a selection of government documents and statistics. The book begins with a literary analysis of the play, its themes and dramatic structure. There are two chapters on the historical context with commentary and documents on the history of segregation and integration in the United States. A chapter situates the play within the context of the literature of Chicago (Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, Richard Wright's Native Son etc.). The relationship between African American men and women is explored in a variety of articles on the African American family, black fatherhood, black masculinity, and the problems of African American women. A chapter on contemporary race relations examines the current situation. Author: Lynn Domina. Hardback. (176 pages)
Contents: Literary Analysis: A Raisin in the Sun, Themes and Structure —  Historical Context: Integration and Segregation — Historical Context: Africa, Africans, and African Americans — A Raisin in the Sun and the Chicago Literary Tradition — Interpretations of Gender in African American Relationships — Contemporary Race Relations
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects

9780313296161
smunderstandingromeoandjuliet

Understanding Romeo and Juliet

This work compiles a rich collection of primary materials and contemporary documents ranging from information about the earliest performances of Romeo and Juliet to discussions of suicide in the 1990s. Designed to help students of the play, Understanding Romeo and Juliet highlights many different aspects of the play's context — a discussion about religions of love in the East and West, an examination of vendetta and collective violence, and an analysis of the play in the context of classical and medieval thought. It relates the work to issues as recent as the so-called Werther Syndrome (copycat suicide based on fictional models). Following a literary analysis of the play, the casebook provides commentary and primary documents on the narrative backgrounds and sources of the play and selections from those sources; a discussion of its performance history on stage, in opera and film; the historical context of the play as an exploration of the nature of love, with selections from poetry of the period; and selections on real-life parallels, such as present-day Bosnia, the recent Leonardo DiCaprio-Claire Danes film of the play, and teen suicide in the 1990s. Each section of the work closes with topics for class discussion and papers and suggested works for further reading. Author: Alan Hager. Hardback. (224 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects
0313291934

Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird was a novel of such power that it left an indelible mark on American culture. This book contains historical documents, readings and commentaries to help students study the novel in the context of its time. Included are court testimonies, news stories and editorials on civil rights activities in the 1950s. The casebook highlights the issues of race, censorship, stereotyping, and heroism. The documents also give students a taste of the historical events which influenced the novel as well as the novel's relevance in today's world — for instance testimony from the Scottsboro Case of the 1930s, memoirs and interviews with African Americans and whites who grew up in Alabama in the 1930s, and news stories on civil rights activities in Alabama in the 1950s. More recent articles include a debate between lawyers over whether Atticus Finch was a hero, and discussions of attempts to censor the novel. Most of the documents presented are available in no other print form. Study questions, project ideas, and bibliographies are also included. Author: Professor Claudia Durst Johnson. Hardback. (248pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects