Author Description

<p>This comprehensive history of American Literature traces its development from the earliest colonial writings of the late 1500s through to the present day. This lively, engaging and highly accessible guide:</p> <p></p> <ul> <p> <li>offers lucid discussions of all major influences and movements such as Puritanism, Transcendentalism, Realism, Naturalism, Modernism and Postmodernism </li> <p></p> <p> <li>draws on the historical, cultural, and political contexts of key literary texts and authors</li> <p></p> <p> <li>covers the whole range of American literature: prose, poetry, theatre and experimental literature </li> <p></p> <p> <li>includes substantial sections on native and ethnic American literatures </li> <p></p> <p> <li>explains and contextualises major events, terms and figures in American history.</li> <p></p></ul> <p></p> <p>This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to situate their reading of American Literature in the appropriate religious, cultural, and political contexts.</p>