History of American Literature

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

6423

Title

History of American Literature

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Reuben Post Halleck's comprehensive survey traces American literature from colonial roots to the Realists, emphasizing moral ideals and democratic spirit. It contrasts early English influences with the unique growth of a national voice, highlighting key figures like Irving, Cooper, and Hawthorne.

Summary up to 500 words

Reuben Post Halleck's *History of American Literature* serves as a foundational guide asserting that American literature possesses a distinct identity separate from its English origins, forged through unique environmental, political, and moral struggles. Halleck structures his narrative chronologically, beginning with the colonial era to illustrate how divergent motivations shaped early settlements. He contrasts the commercial ambitions driving the Virginia colony with the religious convictions of the Puritans in New England, who sought liberty of conscience rather than material wealth. The text extensively examines the contributions of early New England figures, notably Cotton Mather and Jonathan Edwards. Halleck portrays Mather's *Magnalia Christi Americana* as a vital, if sometimes pedantic, record of early church history and providence, while highlighting Edwards as America's greatest theologian and metaphysician, whose works emphasized divine love and the nature of the will. Halleck critiques the formalist, didactic classicism of the eighteenth century, championing instead the emerging Romantic and Gothic schools that prioritized imagination and emotion. He argues that major historical events, specifically the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, were instrumental in forging a distinct national identity within the literature. The work surveys diverse regional movements, including the New York and New England groups, Southern, Western, and Eastern Realist traditions. By focusing on these 'great achievements' rather than minor details, Halleck aims to inspire students to appreciate the moral stimulus and democratic accomplishments inherent in the American record. He contends that while no other literature can replace the specific value of American works for its citizens, the study of this national record is essential for understanding the ideals that have molded the nation. Through careful analysis of literary movements and animating principles, the book seeks to communicate the spirit of American literature, encouraging a sympathetic comprehension of its unique contributions to the world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• American Literature