Presents a description of a favorite innovative textbook (published in the 1970s) for an English methods course, entitled "Montage: Investigations in Language." (SR)

Objects to an alleged misrepresentation and inaccurate presentation of a J. R. R. Tolkien quotation in "Adventures in Reading" (Harcourt, Brace & World, 1969), a ninth grade literature anthology. (RD)

Reviews the Prentice Hall Literature Series, focusing on: (1) the series' authors and editors; (2) textbook content; and (3) pedagogy suggested in the teacher's guide. (MM)

Evaluates four textbooks recommended by junior high and high school teachers for teaching writing and literature: "Enjoying Literature" (published by Macmillan, 1985); "Exposition: Critical Writing and Thinking" (Robert J. Gula); "Situational Writing" (Gene Krupa); and "Double Exposure: Composing through Writing…

Discusses the history and evolution of censorship and how different publishers have censored textbooks and literature anthologies in order not to appease certain groups. (SRT)

Describes the widespread use of textbooks by language arts teachers. Explains the extreme prevalence and reliance upon textbooks, despite frequent complaints about textbook quality. Considers ways of revising textbooks and how they can be used to benefit teachers and students alike. (HB)

Reviews and critiques a new writing textbook by LaRene Despain: "Writing: A Workshop Approach." Considers especially the types of writing assignments advocated and the kinds of skills needed for researched argumentative essays. (HB)

Canadian literature programs are still very much influenced by the British and American cultures. (JH)

English teachers who are encouraging the publication of back-to-basics texts must learn to make more enlightened and coherent choices that reflect new insights into language. (DD)

Reviews "The Elements of Literature," a high school literature anthology series. Concludes that the series is particularly strong in grades 9 and 10 although the selections for grades 11 and 12 are conservative. Recommends not purchasing the entire series with all its ancillary materials. (RS)

Presents three commentaries--by a teacher, a textbook author, and a textbook publisher--examining issues associated with elementary and secondary school textbooks. (MM)

The back-to-basics movement has had a major impact on English/language arts textbook publishers. (DD)

Describes in diary form the process of reviewing new composition and grammar texts and noting their deficiencies and compares the offered material to what students actually need in composition instruction. (CRH)