The processes by which man creates new literary forms is the focus of this book. Four articles concentrate on literary modes common to many societies, though written in different languages: (1) Robert A. Charles reviews Alaska's oral native folktales and the range of the contemporary writing scene in Alaska from professional authors to documentary journalists; (2) Harley D. Oberhelman compares the cowboy literature of North, Central, and South America; (3) Maurice D. Schmaier analyzes Patrick White's "Voss" as an example of a new chapter in Australian literature; and (4) Helen Topham describes a grass-roots theater developing in India. Four other articles are concerned with world literature written in English: (1) Leonard Casper finds a great range of literary achievements in the American-influences Filipino-English literature; (2) Frederic G. Cassidy discusses the distinctive style and tone of West Indian literature; (3) Lucile Clifton illustrates how South African writers shape the African image through symbols and choice of themes; and (4) Harold R. Collins reports on the Nigerians writing about the meeting and interaction of Western and native cultures. [Not available in hard copy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (JMC)