A literary anthology is a collection of written works, often curated around a specific theme, genre, or time period. These works can include poetry, short stories, essays, and excerpts from novels, showcasing the diversity of voices and styles within literature. Anthologies serve as a way to introduce readers to various authors and their contributions to the literary world. Typically published in book form, literary anthologies can focus on a particular topic, such as American literature or women writers, or feature works from a specific era, like the Romantic period. They are valuable resources for students, educators, and literature enthusiasts seeking to explore different perspectives and ideas.