The Fall into Eden: Landscape and Imagination in California (Cambridge Studies in American Literature and Culture, Series Number 11) - Hardcover

Wyatt, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521323991 ISBN 13: 9780521323994

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1986

Synopsis

In this book, David Wyatt examines the mythology of California as it is reflected in the literature of the region. He argues that the encounter with landscape played an important role in literature of the West, and distinguishes this particular characteristic from the literatures of other American regions. Wyatt discusses in depth the writings of Dana, Leonard, Fremont, Muir, King, Austin, Norris, Steinbeck, and Chandler, Jeffers and Snyder and their literary reactions to the landscape. By examining the changing role of the landscape in literature of California, the book sheds new light on an important theme in the American creative popular consciousness.

About this title

Book Description

Whereas creativity from other regions focused on covenant theology or the rationalization of Southern history, this study argues that the literature of the West was "overwhelmed" by its natural scenic beauty.

Review

"This is an elegant, graceful and moving book, a kind of hymn to California..." American Literature

"An important contribution to the study of non-canonical American literature." The Modern Language Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521323991
• ISBN 13: 9780521323994
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 300