Each of the essays in this volume focuses on a single work of American literature. Written in a clear, jargon-free style by college and university professors, the essays explore the nuances of the works - themes, characterization, use of language - enabling the student to comprehend, interpret and write about the classics. The volume includes essays on Toni Morrison’s Beloved , J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye , Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita , John Updike’s Rabbit, Run and others. It also features timelines, author chronologies, bibliographies with further reading suggestions and cumulative indexes.