Weaving together imagination and social commentary, the literature of a nation is often the most effective way to understand the ethos of its people at any given time. The written word offers a sharpened lens through which readers can perceive the world they inhabit, so as to better comprehend personal or universal truths. This captivating series presents major authors, poets, and texts from the world over, immersing students in the life stories of authors that are often as engaging as the narratives these writers have crafted. Discussions on significant literary movements place the works in social context and reveal the Zeitgeist of each era.