Illuminates major themes and artistic visions The only comprehensive anthology of Chicano literature, this work charts the rise and evolution of contemporary Mexican American writing in the context of its major themes: the search for identity, feminism, conservatism, revisionism, homoeroticism, and internationalism. These are the symbolic lenses that through language have focused on the artistic visions that since the mid-l960s have earned Chicano literary works national and international prizes and critical acclaim. Includes selections from the best writers The texts presented in this anthology include late-19th and early 20th-century oppositional writings, as well as works with dominant rural or urban settings. The selections include three of the five writers-Gloria Anzald(oe)a, Lorna Dee Cervantes, and Luis Valdez-whose work has been included by the College Board in the Recommended Reading List for the Advanced Placement Exam of the Educational Testing Service. Comprising eight essays, sixteen short stories, thirty poems, three plays, and two complete novels, the collection is meant not only for a new generation of Chicana/o students but also for general Anglo-American, Latin American, and Peninsular readers. Special Features Represents every major figure in the development of Chicano literature. * Emphasizes the place of Chicano literature in the broader Hispanic tradition. * Provides both Spanish and English texts. * Details historical and cultural references for contemporary readers. * Explains little-known colloquial and regional uses of Spanish. * Several authors have revised their texts especially for this edition. Suitable for Courses in: Literature (in English and Spanish): Chicano Literature; Ethnic American Literature; Contemporary American Literature; Literature by American Women; Literature in Spanish by Women; Literature of the American West