A sample collection of the short stories, novels, and non-fiction of the British writer includes excerpts from The Grass is Singing, The Golden Notebook, The Temptation of Jack Orkney, and other works This is a generous sampling from the varied body of work produced by a most prolific author. The 31 selections cover the full range of Lessing's fiction and nonfiction. "The Temptation of Jack Orkney," her acclaimed novella, is reprinted in full, as are 14 short stories. Lessing herself chose the selections included from her novels, which range from the "Children of Violence" to the "Canopus" series. Four essays complete the collection. On the whole, a good introduction to an important contemporary writer; recommended particularly for public, high school, and community college collections. - Starr E. Smith, Georgetown Univ. Lib., Washington, D.C. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.