This book investigates the complex relationship between Southern Modernism, racial segregation, and the formation of US nationalism in the early 20th century. Leigh Anne Duck, an associate professor of English, examines how Southern writers grappled with regional identity and national belonging amidst pervasive segregation. The work analyzes literary texts to demonstrate how modernist aesthetics were employed to both reinforce and challenge prevailing notions of American identity, particularly concerning race and regionalism. Duck's argument centers on the idea that Southern Modernism was intrinsically linked to the broader project of constructing a unified, yet deeply divided, American national narrative.

This scholarly work is recognized for its in-depth analysis of the intersection between Southern literary modernism and American nationalism. Scholars note its contribution to understanding how regional identities, particularly those shaped by segregation, were articulated within the national cultural landscape. The book is considered a significant contribution to American Studies and Southern literary history, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of identity formation during a pivotal period.