Comprising more than 30 substantial essays written by leading scholars, this companion constitutes an exceptionally broad-ranging and in-depth guide to one of America’s greatest poets. Timed to contribute to the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the original publication of Whitman’s masterpiece, Leaves of Grass (First Edition, 1855).  Designed to make readers more aware of the social and cultural contexts of Whitman’s work, and of the experimental nature of his writing. Includes contributions devoted to specific poetry and prose works, a compact biography of the poet, and a bibliography.

A Companion to Tudor Britain provides an authoritative overview of historical debates about this period, focusing on the whole British Isles. An authoritative overview of scholarly debates about Tudor Britain, focuses on the whole British Isles, exploring what was common and what was distinct to its four constituent elements. Emphasises big cultural, social, intellectual, religious and economic themes. Describes differing political and personal experiences of the time. Discusses unusual subjects, such as the sense of the past amongst British constituent identities, the relationship of cultural forms to social and political issues, and the role of scientific inquiry.

From slave narratives to the Civil War, and from country music to Southern sport, this Companion is the definitive guide to the literature and culture of the American South. Includes discussion of the visual arts, music, society, history, and politics in the region. Combines treatment of major literary works and historical events with a survey of broader themes, movements and issues. Explores the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Zora Neale Huston, Flannery O'Connor and Eudora Welty, as well as those - black and white, male and female - who are writing now.

World War II was the bloodiest and farthest-reaching military conflict in human history, which resulted in the annihilation of some 60 million people. This authoritative and thorough volume summarizes the essential information regarding the war in vibrant, accessible entries.

With fifty-five peer reviewed chapters written by the leading authors in the field, The Blackwell Companion to Consciousness is the most extensive and comprehensive survey of the study of consciousness available today. Provides a variety of philosophical and scientific perspectives that create a breadth of understanding of the topic - Topics include the origins and extent of consciousness, different consciousness experiences, such as meditation and drug-induced states, and the neuroscience of consciousness.