Glasser (President Emeritus, Southern Vermont College) analyzes the common themes of fate and uncontrollable external forces in Hamlet, Moby Dick and Catcher in the Rye and notes how this connected and "intensified vision of reality" can lead to a greater appreciation of these literary works as one. Written for students and scholars of literature, this volume addresses the concept of free will as it pertains to protagonists Hamlet, Ahab and Holden Caulfield. The author also makes a case for including J.D. Salinger in the same lofty group as William Shakespeare and Herman Melville by examining the shifting criticism toward his masterpiece as well as its enduring popularity among younger generations. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
