Characterized by breadth and balance, this top-selling thematic reader offers important voices that meet Kirszner and Mandell's exacting standards for teachability in the classroom.

This top-selling broad thematic reader offers 116 classic and contemporary selections addressing both current issues and the relevant ideas that frame them.  Focused apparatus for reading and writing leads students to critical insights and opportunities to add their voices to the public conversations on the important issues of our day.  In addition, "Focus" units of readings on specific topics related to the broad themes encourage critical thinking and writing from sources.   Features 104 works of non-fiction prose, nine poems, and three pieces of short fiction.

The Blair Reader encourages public discussion in the wider world by reading actively as well as critically and responding to the ideas of others. After more than twenty-five years of teaching composition, the authors have come to see reading and writing as interrelated activities: To write effectively, one must also read actively and critically. The authors have found and strongly believe that a reader is enriched and engaged when he/she view the reading and writing they do as a way of participating. From the beginning, the goal in The Blair Reader has always been to encourage these discussions in the wider world by responding to the ideas of others.