An anthology of short stories, fairy tales, myths, and legends from around the world. Before each short novel, the editor has written a biographical sketch of the author, and before each national grouping is a brief discussion of that country's place in world literature.

Translation has played a vital part in the history of literature throughout the English-speaking world. Offering for the first time a comprehensive view of this phenomenon, this pioneering five-volume work casts a vivid new light on the history of English literature. Incorporating critical discussion of translations, it explores the changing nature and function of translation and the social and intellectual milieu of the translators.