The York Notes Companion to Nineteenth Century American Literature explores literature written during an era of revolution, independence, civil war and consolidation. Covering genres such as the early American novel, realist fiction and historical romance, short stories and poetry, the Companion explores examples from each genre in detailed commentaries, and guides students through key literary theories and debates. Connecting texts with their historical and scholarly contexts, this is essential reading for any student of nineteenth-century American literature.
Texts discussed include: The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Leaves of Graves, The White Heron and selected slave narratives.
Each York Notes Companion provides:
* Analysis of key texts and debates.
* Extended commentaries for further in-depth analysis of individual texts.
* Exploration of historical, social and cultural contexts.
* Annotations clarifying literary terms and events in history.
* Modern theoretical perspectives in practice.
* Timelines and annotated further reading.
Rowland Hughes is a Principal Lecturer in English and American Literature at the University of Hertfordshire.