The Longman Study Texts are designed to cover a wide range of classics and modern writers and the full range of literary genres. They are geared to both examination and coursework requirements at GCSE level with many texts for A level study and they aim to avoid examination short cuts such as plot summaries or potted character sketches. and notes and questions which aim to give GCSE students the opportunity to explore the characters, ideas and situations within the book. A personal essay by a writer who has close contact with the living theatre is also included.