Listed on the Bookshelf are the Norton Anthology of Western Literature and the Norton Anthology of English Literature. Do I definitely need to buy both?

What about just using the books themselves? I understand there are excerpts in the anthologies, and sometimes those are read instead of the entire work. Would I have any way to pick that out, if I used the whole books? Would I have a problem matching up page numbers if I didn't buy these?

Is one used more than the other?

I would HIGHLY recommend getting both.

First of all, yes, you need both because the student will read selections from both texts. Secondly, there is no way you are going to want to try to get the books themselves and then figure out what they are supposed to read and what they are not supposed to read. There is enough to do with your high school student as it is. Make the investment in the books and if you are not going to use them again, you will be able to resell them for a good price.

The only other suggestion I have is, if you have your year plan or access to the Loom you should read the doc TOG has about customizing the literature for your student. We did 3/4 of the literature readings, cutting out the blue and green selections. (you will understand what I mean when you read the doc) I had already bought the books, but this may have an effect on what you purchase if you do decide to cut out assignments.

I can't say for sure but I seem to remember the books being use fairly equally.

Hope this helps!

Lisa in AZ