Kentucky in American Letters, 1784-1912. Vol. 2 of 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

39407

Title

Kentucky in American Letters, 1784-1912. Vol. 2 of 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive anthology of American literature set in Kentucky, featuring original stories and essays by renowned authors like James Lane Allen and James Newton Baskett. This volume captures the state's rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural spirit through a collection of fiction and non-fiction works spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Summary up to 500 words

Kentucky in American Letters, Vol. II, edited by John Wilson Townsend, offers a rich tapestry of literary contributions from the Commonwealth between 1784 and 1912. The volume opens with biographical sketches of its diverse contributors, ranging from James Newton Baskett, a distinguished scientist and novelist, to James Lane Allen, celebrated as a master of prose. The collection is anchored by Baskett's sentimental novella, 'I 'oves 'oo Best,' which chronicles the innocent, evolving romance between a boy and girl in rural Kentucky, capturing the transition from childhood affection to the complexities of adult love. Complementing this is James Lane Allen's dramatic narrative involving a bishop, a lawyer, and a medical crisis, exploring themes of faith, social standing, and personal sacrifice. Nature serves as a recurring motif, vividly portrayed in Edwin Carlile Litsey's account of a mother fox risking her life to protect her young from hounds, illustrating the raw struggle for survival. The anthology also delves into literary criticism, featuring Milton Bronner's analysis of Maurice Hewlett's romantic heroines, who are depicted as devoted figures central to their narratives. Beyond fiction and criticism, the book presents a wide array of poetry, historical anecdotes, and social commentaries. These pieces address significant issues of the era, including the 'Death of Crittenden,' reflections on evolution, and commentaries on the Negro problem. Through these multifaceted entries, the volume constructs a comprehensive portrait of Kentucky life, seamlessly blending regional pride with universal human experiences of love, loss, the beauty of nature, and resilience. The work stands as a testament to the state's cultural depth, showcasing voices that range from the scientific to the spiritual, the pastoral to the urban, and the historical to the contemporary.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• American Literature
• Kentucky History