American Lives is a groundbreaking book, the first historically organized anthology of American autobiographical writing, bringing us fifty-five voices from throughout the nation's history, from Abigail Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Jonathan Edwards, and Richard Wright to Quaker preacher Elizabeth Ashbridge, con man Stephen Burroughs, and circus impresario P.T. Barnum. Representing canonical and non-canonical writers, slaves and slave-owners, generals and conscientious objectors, scientists, immigrants, and Native Americans, the pieces in this collection make up a rich gathering of American “songs of ourselves.”
Robert F. Sayre frames the selections with an overview of theory and criticism of autobiography and with commentary on the relation between history and many kinds of autobiographical texts—travel narratives, stories of captivity, diaries of sexual liberation, religious conversions, accounts of political disillusionment, and discoveries of ethnic identity. With each selection Sayre also includes an extensive headnote providing valuable critical and biographical information.
A scholarly and popular landmark, American Lives is a book for general readers and for teachers, students, and every American scholar.
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Robert F. Sayre, a leading authority on American autobiographical writing, is professor of English at the University of Iowa. He is the author of The Examined Self: Benjamin Franklin, Henry Adams, Henry James and Thoreauand the American Indians. He is the editor of New Essays on Walden and Take This Exit: Rediscovering the Iowa Landscape.
Sayre's recherche compilation celebrates the emergence of a distinct American voice throughout the history of a young, dynamic country. John Smith's account of the Jamestown colony forms the first attempt to define an American identity. First-person histories of early settlers and religious zealots are well represented, from Jonathan Edwards's famous "Personal Narrative" to many works few but scholars will be acquainted with. As the fledgling country fought for independence, the voices become self-conscious and assertive, as in Ethan Allen's popular narrative; others describe the hardships of settling the new country and making one's way as a Native American, black, or female. The narratives that herald the modern day, which begin with selections from Emerson and range from P.T. Barnun to bell hooks, will be more familiar to readers. Grouped by theme and introduced by the editor, the excerpts are refreshingly unorthodox; the accompanying short list of titles not included in the study will appease critics of the choices. School, academic, and public libraries will cheer this admirable work of research; highly recommended.
Amy Boaz, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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