World Masterpieces features classic literature dating back nearly 5000 years. The earliest writings of Confucius along with literature from Sumerians and Persians capture themes from the dawn of literary civilization.Works from Japan, Zaire, France, and dozens of other countries show how themes of human life recur in distinct and diverse cultures. Each unit opens with historical, geographical, and cultural background. Special Cross Currents features link ideas from the past to contemporary events relevant to todayâe(tm)s students.