English and History study guides, written by academics at the top of their field

Was Jane Austen's Emma a snob?

What was eating Curley's wife in Of Mice and Men?

Did Stalin have hobbies?

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Bringing Literature to Life

Our books tell you what the most interesting critics have said about great novels, plays and poems, providing an intelligent and informative discussion of the text.

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All You Need To Know

Short guides to big topics. Explore our sister series All You Need To Know

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Great Reads In Their Own Right

Scholarly, yet approachable and entertaining - our history guides provide illuminating discourse on key figures, periods, and historical events.

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