I thought this was a lot better than the 3rd volume, for 2 reasons, I stopped reading the commentary by the editor, who I found annoying in volume 3 and also I like the source material in volume 1 much more, now I'll have to grab volume 2. ( )

Admittedly, this was not a cover-to-cover read, but a pretty thorough dip into an extraordinary, comprehensive compilation of great works of literature. I was pleased to see it is not confined to the typical "Western" collection so many of us were schooled in until the later decades of the 20th century. I was impressed both with the commentary -- insightful and incisive, and the varied and visionary art that represented each work. Some styles were not to my liking or what I would have chosen, but they still ( in most cases) did homage to the original material. I thought 95% of it came across as a labor of love. The Canon was both a memory-jogger of works I'd read and an invitation to read those I hadn't. Either way, it propelled me to turn to literature. Some standouts in my opinion: "Coyote and the Pebbles," "Poems" by Rumi, (both to my point of inclusiveness) "Canterbury Tales"- Wife of Bath!, and Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18." Yes, the entire thing is only excerpts, but as such, is a great appetizer for the works themselves. I marvel at how the works, then the excerpts, then the medium was chosen for each. Definitely not for kids -- but maybe an apt gift for the potential English or Classics major. ( )

A rich and fun collection of condensed or excerpted literary works from Gilgamesh (1000 BCE) to Dangerous Liaisons (1782). All kinds of artistic styles and media are on display, including some exceptionally clever adaptations. There were a handful of samples I found dull or impossible to follow, but it was overall an entertaining trip through the long history of world literature. Volumes two and three continue the chronological journey. ( )

the selections vary in execution. Some will be to one taste, some to another.

This is really cool and I want it.

I haven't had time to read through the whole thing, but I've flipped through and looked at all the pictures. I just think it's a brilliant concept and a great companion to my literary tastes.

It's something that would be lovely to have sitting on my shelf so I could occasionally pick it up and read a story or two. ( )