Literary Companion Series - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (paperback edition) [Hardcover]

Katie de Koster (Author)

Book Description

Series: Literary Companion Series | Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Twain's novel remains one of America's greatest and most well read works. This volume offers more than fifteen critical selections that discuss themes and characters as well as the controversies the work continues to generate. (20020501)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-A well-chosen collection of critical readings representing perspectives that range from nearly obsequious praise to detached deconstruction to qualified condemnation. As stated in the front matter, the selections "may have been edited for content, length, and/or reading level." This is not to say they've been dumbed down, however. Students will be healthily challenged by these critics' ideas, and yet not overwhelmed by dry, incomprehensible scholasticism. Following a short but comprehensive biography of Twain, the book is divided into easily digestible units. Each 8-to-10 page essay offers insight individually, but chapter headings intelligently bind the points of view together. The overlying theme is the relationship between literature, history, and culture. Each essay is a fine jumping-off point for thought, discussion, or report writing, and together they cohere into a well-informed understanding of Huckleberry Finn and its author. For the most part, the writings are vivid and provocative-Jane Smiley's stands out for its stunningly sharp jabs at the novel's status. In addition to their interesting arguments, the essays are worthy of study for their artful elements of structure and style. This accessible volume could definitely get kids excited about reading and writing.-Peg Solonika, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"An anthology of essays by scholars representing various perspectives and interpretation of the novel. The book(s) provides criticism and discussions of meaning, structure, and the historical content...as well as biographical information. It is organized in such a way that will give students a plethora of information in a largely accessible format. Each chapter heading is annotated, giving readers a chance to sample the content of the essays. Furthermore, each selection is introduced with background biographical data on the essay's author alongwith a summary of the content and the particular point of view represented. A reader-friendly and comprehensive resouce for students and teachers of world literature."
-- School Library Journal ( November 2001) (School Library Journal 20011015)

"A valuable resource."
-- School Library Journal (May 2002) (School Library Journal )

"And for literary support, Greenhaven's series Literary Companions has become a standard in many schools and public libraries, thanks to its thoughtful questions and analysis."
-- Booklist (October 2001) (Booklist )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Greenhaven Press; 1 edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565108183
• ISBN-13: 978-1565108189
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,593,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Huckleberry Finn Under a Contemporary Microscope, October 13, 2000

By 

Ronald B. Lee (Kentlands, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Literary Companion Series - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (paperback edition) (Hardcover)

The Greenhaven Press book: "Readings on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Katie de Koster, editor, is a compilation of 18 essays by very competent writers/analysts evaluating most of the literary, moral, historical and social aspects of Mark Twain's signature masterpiece. Ernest Hemingway once said that Huckleberry Finn was the finest piece of American writing to that time and the foundation of American fiction to follow it, or words to that effect. "Readings" presents dissections of Huck Finn and exposes the book from the personal viewpoints of literary scholars, social activists, classroom educators and other authors. "Readings" is sine qua non for those who want to understand the seminal significance of Huck Finn, as a book, and for insight and intelligent discussion. How we interpret "Readings" may tell us readers more about ourselves than about the real motives of Samuel Clemens in writing the book. Some of us may be somewhat surprised at the "self" that might be revealed.