Burt, Daniel S., Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time, Checkmark, 2003.

Burt undertakes the task of choosing and ranking the top one hundred novels in literary history. This book is meant to appeal to lovers of literature and to newcomers looking for an overview of classic fiction.

Ellmann, Richard, and Robert O'Clair, Modern Poems: A Norton Introduction, W. W. Norton, 1989.

One of the most respected publishers of literary anthologies offers this collection of works by 119 poets, along with essays about the poets and about reading poetry. The styles and perspectives of the poets are wide ranging, giving the reader a good grasp of modern poetry.

McKeon, Michael, Theory of the Novel: A Historical Approach, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.

McKeon has compiled essays on various topics related to the novel and its place in history. The essays include important theoretical texts and essays...