This is a series of introductory books about different types of writing. One strand of the series will focus on genres such as Science Fiction, Horror, Romance, and Crime. The other strand will focus on movements or styles often associated with historical and cultural locations - Postcolonial, Native American, Scottish, Irish, American Gothic.

These introductions all share the same nine-part structure:

1. A broad definition of the genre and its essential elements
2. A timeline of historical developments
3. Critical concerns to bear in mind while reading
4. Detailed readings of several key texts
5. In-depth analysis of major themes and issues
6. Signposts for further study
7. A summary of the most important criticism in the field
8. A glossary of terms
9. An annotated, critical reading list

Writers covered in this book include:

Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, George Orwell, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mary Shelley, J.K. Rowling, H.G. Wells, Thomas More, Jonathan Swift, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Yann Martel, Jeanette Winterson, and William Gibson.