American Realism : Opposing Viewpoints

Essays discuss the movement's characteristics; the emergence of naturalism; issues of class, race, and gender; the portrayal of American character; and the continuing influences of Realism in the modern era.

"An extensive study. The introduction places the genre in its historical and literary context, and is invaluable as a touchstone for the essays that follow. The selections are by a wide range of writers and scholars...The chapter headings are annotated so that their contents are easily recognized and accessible. In fact, each article can stand alone as a study of the individual topic. Together, however, the essays can be read for a complete and fascinting study of the genre. An excellent resource to learn the trends and modes of the genre from the broadest sense to the most particular."
-- School Library Journal (November 2001) (School Library Journal 20011101)

"In general, the essays cover an idea, a philosophy, or a literary technique shared by several authors of the period. Most information on works and authors comes in small pieces wthin essays, which often proves entirely sufficient for students needing support for a research topic."
-- Booklist (March 2000)

"Greenhaven Press has produced a series of books on Literary Movements and Genres designed to enhance the reader's understanding of and appreciation for the various literary movements and their impact on society - and the impact that society and history have had upon the writers of different eras."
-- Eclectic Book Reviews (UNKNOWN )

"The introduction to this title immediately challenges preconceptions...A historical overview of the genre and a discussion of its forms precede 20 well-chosen essays by prominent literary critics. Introductory notes to the entries are an additional aid to understanding. This book would make a good supplemental classroom text or a source for individual research with teacher guidance."
-- School Library Journal (October 2001) (School Library Journal 20011001)

"This is the sort of resource every librarian will want to have on a personal shelf...as well as in adult or parenting collections."
-- School Library Journal (July 2001) (School Library Journal 20010701)

"This text provides an excellent foundation for further study of this important literary movement. Readers will become aware of the major writers of the period as well as some of their most significant works."
-- Kliatt (July 2001) (KLIATT 20010701)

"A clear, scholarly introduction to the main ideas, subjects, and literary works identified...A succinct statement of the critic's argument precedes each essay. A useful resource for upper-division undergradutes through faculty, this volume is particularly recommended for beginning undergraduates who will find it readily accessible."
-- Choice (March 2001) (Choice 20010301)

"This series would be quite handy for teachers since it brings together excerpts from number of sources that would otherwise be a chore to locate. Together would then be better able to guide the students to an appreciation of the topic."
-- Kliatt (March 2001) (KLIATT 20010301)

"The articles have been excerpted from a variety a sources, and edited for clarity. English students and teachers alike will appreciate these collections of literary criticism that examine a variety of authors, styles, and themes."
-- Kliatt (May 2000) (KLIATT 20000501)

"While the book contains some literary jargon, students will find it a helpful companion to other sources. A chronology lists authors and their works. Students doing reserch will appreciate the four-page topical bibliography and detailed index."
-- School Library Journal (April 2000) (School Library Journal 20000401)