An authoritative bestseller for over fifty years, PERRINE’S LITERATURE: STRUCTURE, SOUND, AND SENSE continues to be an essential and highly effective introduction to literature. Written for readers beginning a serious study of literature, the book introduces the fundamental elements of fiction, poetry, and drama in a concise and engaging way, addressing vital questions that other texts tend to ignore, such as “Is some literature better?” and “How can it be evaluated?” A remarkable selection of classic, modern, and contemporary readings serves to illustrate the elements of literature and ensure broad appeal to readers of diverse backgrounds and interests. Updated with new stories, poems, and plays by some of the finest authors of any era, the twelfth edition remains true to Perrine’s original vision while addressing the needs of a new generation of readers.

An authoritative, continually updated bestseller for over sixty years, PERRINE’S LITERATURE: STRUCTURE, SOUND, AND SENSE, 13e provides the most effective introduction to literature for a new generation of learners. Written for students beginning a serious study of literature, the text introduces the fundamental elements of fiction, poetry, and drama in a concise and engaging way, addressing vital questions that other texts ignore, such as “Is some literature better?” and “How can it be evaluated?” A rich and diverse selection of classic, modern, and contemporary readings brings the elements of literature to life and is updated with new stories, poems, and plays by some of the finest authors of any era. In addition, the thirteenth edition reflects the most recently published MLA guide (8th edition, 2016).