Literature Literary Touchstone Classics

The best classic literature at the best prices—guaranteed!

Why are Literary Touchstone Classics the number-one choice of teachers across the country? These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.

To help students fully understand the classic work they’re studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading.

Each book also has an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.

If you’re looking for books that will last for years in your classroom, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they’ll hold up to repeated use, and they’re always at least 50% off the retail price.

What makes Literary Touchstone Classics different from other editions of classic books?

• Reading pointers for sharper insights encourage students to question and consider aspects of plot, theme, characterization, style, etc.
• Brief introductions and backgrounds give key information about the author and provide rationale for the book’s classic status.
• Glossaries and vocabulary lists guarantee that your students won’t get lost in difficult allusions or archaic vocabulary.
• Line numbers and margin notes in each Shakespeare play and Greek drama help students better understand any difficult language or context.
• Affordable pricing makes it easy for educators to purchase books for all their students without compromising on quality.

Why does classic literature still matter in today’s classrooms?

In an age of instant information and ever-changing media, you might wonder: “Why should students still read classic literature?” The answer lies in the enduring power of these works to spark critical thinking, foster empathy, and build a foundation for lifelong literacy.

Reading classic literature in middle and high school offers students more than just a glimpse into the past. These texts challenge students to engage with complex language, timeless themes, and compelling storytelling that continue to resonate today. From questions of identity and justice to explorations of love, power, and human nature, the classics encourage deep analysis and meaningful classroom discussion.

Teachers like you can make classic literature relevant by connecting the text’s universal ideas to modern experiences. Whether comparing Macbeth to modern-day ambition or drawing parallels between Frankenstein and current conversations about ethics and morality, you can help students see that these stories are not relics, but reflections of enduring human truths.

Help your students discover why these timeless works continue to shape literature, language, and culture. With Literary Touchstone Classics, the great books of yesterday become the powerful learning tools of today.