Masterpieces of Non-Western World Literature

While American and European writers are still central to the high school curriculum, more and more students and teachers are discovering the great literary works outside the Western tradition. These works grew out of a different set of cultural contexts; thus they are often difficult for students to understand. At the same time, a careful consideration of these masterpieces helps students understand other cultures and provides a greater understanding of the traditions that have shaped multicultural American society. This book introduces high school students to 10 masterpieces of non-Western literature.

Included are chapters on such works as Gilgamesh, Sundiata, The Tale of Genji, The Conference of Birds, and Quetzalcoatl. Each chapter discusses the work’s historical and cultural background, plot, characters, major themes, and lasting influence. Chapters cite works for further reading, and the book closes with a bibliography.