This challenging study of a number of American writers belongs in the tradition of the history-of-ideas approach to literary history. It offers an analysis of A

A Wolfson History Prize Finalist A New Statesman Book of the Year A Sunday Times Book of the Year “Timely and authoritative...I enjoyed it immensely.” —Ph

Examines the many reasons and motivations for the destruction of books throughout history, citing specific acts from the smashing of ancient Sumerian tablets to

Reader's Guide Literature in English provides expert guidance to, and critical analysis of, the vast number of books available within the subject of English lit

The idea of America has always encouraged apocalyptic visions. The 'American Dream' has not only imagined the prospect of material prosperity; it has also imagi