English in America: A Radical View of the Profession

A reissue of a controversial analysis of the literature profession.

When it first appeared in 1976, this groundbreaking exploration of the influences of capitalism on the profession of English touched a nerve among educators and inspired Library Journal to declare, "This book should be read by all thoughtful Americans." Now, 20 years later, in a substantial new introduction that recontextualizes the book, Richard Ohmann addresses the critical furor over its initial publication, evaluates his own arguments in the aftermath of the Cold War, and locates the profession of English in the thick of the hotly contested culture wars. A remarkably prescient book whose claims have withstood two decades of fierce debate, English in America is widely considered to be as relevant today as ever. Wise, witty, and urbane, it has much to teach all students of English.

RICHARD OHMANN is Professor of English at Wesleyan University and author of Politics of Letters (1987) and Shaw: The Style and the Man (1962). GERALD GRAFF is George M. Pullman Professor of English and Education, University of Chicago, and author of Beyond the Culture Wars (1992).