With classic and contemporary selections by authors from a wide range of racial and ethnic groups, "Literature Across Cultures, 5/e" introduces the reader to important literary works and helps readers explore critical themes of our times, such as gender and identity, the effects of war and violence, and many more. The 5th edition focuses on the political, social, and multicultural aspects of literary debates related to the dialectics of roots and rebellions, self and society, gender and identity, the causes and effects of war and violence as well as issues of class, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. These features have brilliantly distinguished this volume from other thematic volumes. "Literature Across Cultures, 5/e "Includes both classical and contemporary writers from diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds.