Initial Studies in American Letters

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DigiCat, 2022 M09 16 - 238 pages
In 'Initial Studies in American Letters' by Henry A. Beers, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through American literature from its beginnings to the 19th century. Beers' literary style is scholarly and informative, providing detailed analyses of key literary works and movements that shaped the landscape of American letters. The book explores the themes of individualism, nature, and the American Dream as recurring motifs in early American literature. Beers offers critical insights into the works of influential writers such as Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allan Poe, placing them within their historical and cultural context. Overall, 'Initial Studies in American Letters' serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in understanding the foundations of American literature. Henry A. Beers, a renowned literary critic and professor, brings his expertise to this book, drawing from years of research and teaching experience. His passion for American literature shines through in the meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful analysis present in the text. Readers can trust Beers' authoritative voice to guide them through the complexities of early American letters. I highly recommend 'Initial Studies in American Letters' to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the rich literary heritage of the United States.
 

Contents

THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
PREFACE
THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARS 1837
OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
CHAPTER VI
Without a Country to Walt Whitman for his two poems and to
APPENDIX
JAMES FENIMORE COOPER
NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE
EDGAR ALLAN
WALT WHITMAN
SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS

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About the author (2022)

Henry A. Beers, a distinguished figure in the field of American literary criticism and history, is particularly noted for his insightful work, 'Initial Studies in American Letters'. Born in 1847, Beers served as a professor at Yale University, where he made significant contributions to the curriculum of American literature. His scholarship laid the groundwork for the study of American literary history as a serious academic discipline. In 'Initial Studies in American Letters', Beers presents pioneering analyses on the evolution of American literature, tracing its unique characteristics and its divergence from European literary traditions. His writing is marked by a narrative style that underscores the developmental nature of the American literary landscape, often highlighting the cultural and sociopolitical factors influencing the authors of the period. Beers' work is thus seminal for students and scholars interested in the formative stages of American literary consciousness. His legacy endures through his lucid prose and astute observations which continue to inform the understanding of the quintessentially American voice in literature. Beers passed away in 1926, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary scholarship that continues to be highly regarded in academic circles.

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