Cliffs Notes are the best-known series of student study guides in the U.S. The guides synopsize and explain literary and other works in pamphlet form. Supporters say the guides help students understand works, while detractors say they let students avoid even reading the works.
The number of study guide companies has proliferated in recent years, particularly since the onset of the Internet has reduced production and distribution costs.
In addition to study guides for literature, the company produces several other series of guides, including:
CliffsQuickReview - provides a quick reference for information on many scholastic subjects, such as Algebra, Economics, Physics
CliffsTestPrep - provides preparation hints and strategies for several types of tests, including SAT, ACT, and PSAT
CliffsAP - provides reviews and preparations for various Advanced Placement Program exams, such as Biology, Chemistry, and English
CliffsComplete - is also a study guide for literature, but includes the complete text of the work along with the notes for it
Cliffs Notes was started by a Nebraska native named Cliff Hillegass in 1958. He was working in a bookstore when he met the owner of a series of Canadian study guides called Cole's Notes, who suggested that Hillegass create an American version. Hillegass started with booklets covering 16 William Shakespeare titles; Cliffs Notes now exist on thousands of works.
John Wiley & Sons;, a publisher of scientific and technical publications, bought CliffsNotes in 2001.
