Southern Literature From 1579-1895 / A comprehensive review, with copious extracts and criticisms / for the use of schools and the general reader

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27279

Title

Southern Literature From 1579-1895 / A comprehensive review, with copious extracts and criticisms / for the use of schools and the general reader

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This comprehensive anthology surveys Southern American literature from 1579 to 1895, offering a vital educational resource for understanding the region's historical development. Featuring copious extracts and criticisms, the volume bridges history and literature to illuminate the lives, struggles, and artistic achievements of Southern writers. Ideal for schools and general readers, it preserves the spirit of the Old South while providing a sympathetic study of its enduring legacy.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by Louise Manly and published in 1900, *Southern Literature From 1579-1895* serves as a comprehensive educational resource designed to bridge the gap between dry historical dates and the living realities of the American South. The volume chronicles the evolution of Southern letters across three distinct eras: the early colonial period (1579–1750), the Revolutionary and Federal era (1750–1800), and the antebellum and post-war periods (1800–1895). The narrative begins with foundational figures of exploration, such as John Smith and William Strachey, whose writings document early encounters with indigenous peoples and the challenges of settlement. The text progresses to the Revolutionary generation, highlighting the intellectual and political contributions of giants like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Through excerpts from their speeches and personal letters, the book illustrates the profound themes of liberty, patriotism, and the complex debates over slavery and state sovereignty that defined the nation's birth. As the narrative shifts to the antebellum and Civil War eras, the collection showcases a diverse array of voices, including poets like Sidney Lanier, Daniel Bedinger Lucas, and James Ryder Randall. Their works capture the chivalric spirit of the Confederacy alongside the tragic realities of war. The volume includes excerpts ranging from the romanticized novels of William Gilmore Simms to the poignant war songs of the Confederacy, such as Randall's stirring "Maryland, My Maryland" and Lucas's reflective "The Land Where We Were Dreaming." Through detailed biographical notes and critical commentary, Manly contextualizes these works within their historical settings, exploring themes of nature, the human cost of conflict, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The book functions both as a supplementary reader for history classes and a standalone guide to the rich literary heritage of the American South. By emphasizing the importance of remembering past generations, Manly argues that understanding the old-time life and spirit of ancestors is essential for informing the future, ensuring that the memory of a great people is not lost to time.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• American Literature
• Southern Literature
• History and Criticism
• Intellectual Life