This collection features selections that are representative of various literary genres and historical eras in order to reveal common archetypes found across generations of literature.

Myths and Motifs in Literature works to bring together a number of accepted archetypal motifs and present them as they make their appearance in various genres of literature.

Arguing that society, institutions, and literature change while the human condition remains the same, David J. Burrows hopes to enable readers to deepen their appreciation of the continuity and tradition of literary heritage.