Elizabeth Hardwick examines the interplay between place and literary creation in her essay collection, Sight-Readings. Hardwick, a distinguished critic, explores how physical and imagined landscapes shape the work of American writers. The essays are organized into thematic sections: 'Old New York,' 'Americans Abroad,' and 'Fictions of America.' Within these, she analyzes authors such as Edith Wharton and Henry James in the context of their New York settings, and then moves to expatriate writers like Gertrude Stein and Djuna Barnes in Paris, as well as American authors like John Cheever, Philip Roth, and Richard Ford.

The collection is noted for its insightful examination of how place influences literary output, with particular attention paid to American authors and their relationship with New York City and broader American landscapes. Hardwick's critical approach is characterized by its deep engagement with both the biographical and the fictional elements of her subjects' lives and works. The essays are praised for their erudition and their ability to illuminate the specific geographies that inspired these writers. This collection offers a nuanced perspective on the construction of literary identity through the lens of place.