American Literature [antikvár]

PUBLISHER'S FOREWORD The outHne-liistory of American Literature covers the field, we believe, with an eclectic adequacy not attempted by any other manual. All three authors read in manuscript the work of each of their colleagues, weighed the criticisms made, and finally rewrote any part or parts that needed freshness of point of view, better balance, and richer interpretation. As the result of several such years of intensive collaboration, the authors have achieved their common purpose of helping the student appreciate better the ideas and the ideals of American literature. In the opinion of the editor, Bartholow V. Crawford, Alexander C. Kern, and Morriss H. Needleman have succeeded in: 1. Placing emphasis upon those authors most frequently anthologized, because it will be those about whom the student will seek specific aid. In addition, a large body of significant minor authors who too frequently have been neglected is also treated, on the belief that a knowledge of less well-known writings may be necessary to bring into focus the whole complex literary picture. 2. Devising a book that lends itself to immediate use for further study. Such editorial aids as cross-references and footnotes have been utilized at strategic points so as to reduce to a minimum the necessity of directing students to other books. It is not difficult, when advisable, to disregard the footnotes; yefthe footnotes themselves, while stimulating the student's interest in specific literary problems, are a concise, up-to-date bibliography ready to serve as a point of departure for supplementary readings and explorations. 3. Presenting material that in each case grows out of both the nature of the subject and the needs of the student. To avoid narrowness of subject matter, the authors present a large body of desirable omnibus material. 4. Bringing the treatment of the subject abreast of modern research and criticism. This has involved considerable effort and expense, since additions have had to be made several times while the work was in page proof. But both the editor and the authors PREFACE Objectives sought by the authors of the outUne-history of American Literature have been several. They have endeavored to provide for the undergraduate a compact and clearly outlined manual which will put at his disposal accurate information with which he may fill out lecture notes and prepare for tests. For the more advanced student they have tried to make clear through chronological arrangement and outHne treatment the trend and sweep of development, and juxtaposition of authors and works in a variety of literary fields and against a background of historical events. Through critical judgments, time-tested rather than personal, they have suggested the estimate of less familiar works, while, at the same time, where considered judgment is at variance, summarizing critical judgments pro and con. To the teacher and the professional scholar they have made available extensive current bibliographies. In the preparation of the outline-history of American Literature there has, of course, been free consultation among the authors. Responsibility for Chapters I-IV (except for the article on Herman Melville, which was contributed by M. H. Needleman), has, however, fallen to Alexander C. Kern; for Chapters V-VIII, to Bartholow V. Crawford; and for Chapters IX-XIV (except for the article on Henry James, which was contributed by B. V. Crawford), to Morriss H. Needleman, who has also undertaken extensive editorial tasks. B. V. C A. C. K. M. H. N.