American Literary Criticism

American Literary Criticism is a comprehensive collection of essays and critiques by some of the most celebrated literary critics of the United States. The book is edited and selected by William Morton Payne, a renowned literary scholar and professor of English at the University of Michigan. The anthology includes a wide range of critical writings spanning from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century, covering various genres such as poetry, fiction, drama, and essays. It features works by prominent critics such as Edgar Allan Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry James, T.S. Eliot, and many others. The book is divided into six sections, each focusing on a particular period or literary movement in American literature. The sections are arranged chronologically, starting from the Romantic era and ending with the modernist movement. Each section begins with an introduction by the editor, providing historical and literary context for the essays that follow. The essays themselves are diverse in style and approach, ranging from close textual analysis to broader cultural and historical perspectives. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the development of American literary criticism, highlighting the major trends and debates that have shaped the field. Overall, American Literary Criticism is an essential resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history and theory of American literature. It provides a rich and varied selection of critical writings that illuminate the complexities and nuances of American literary culture.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.