A History of American Literature (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

William B. Cairns

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1440084254 ISBN 13: 9781440084256

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

This book attempts to trace within reasonable compass the course of literary development in America and to present the most significant facts regarding American authors and their works. It places greatest emphasis on general movements, because American literature is first of all important as an expression of national life. There are few American writings that require careful analysis and merit intensive study as masterpieces. But in a nation where education has from the first been so generally diffused literary attempts of slight artistic merit may reflect not only the obvious changes in national life and ideals but subtler tendencies and aspirations. For this reason attention is given not only to the few greater writers but to many others whose works, though less important in themselves, are sometimes even more significant. The plan of the book and the decision what to include and what to exclude have been influenced by the authors experiences with college classes; but an attempt has been made to meet the wants of the general reader as well as those of the systematic student. In tracing tendencies and movements it has been necessary to adopt a geographical classification of authors; and this has sometimes been carried beyond the point where it is significant. It is a matter of the greatest importance whether an author represents the spirit of Puritan New England or the spirit of Cavalier Virginia; it is of little importance whether he chances to write inN ew Hampshire or in Vermont. For convenience, however, smaller as well as larger groupings have been made on the basis of residence. In adopting this plan the author wishes to disclaim any intention of over-emphasizing sectional differences.
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, Hist

About this edition

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1440084254
• ISBN 13: 9781440084256
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 514