A History of American Literature

Percy Holmes Boynton (1875-1946) was a distinguished academic and literary critic known for his contributions to American literary scholarship. Born on February 2, 1875, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Boynton pursued the life of a scholar with fervor. He received his Bachelor's degree from Amherst College and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. His academic career was largely associated with the University of Chicago, where he served as a professor of English from 1902 until his retirement in 1939. Boynton was a prolific writer, focusing his research and teaching on American literature and its development. His scholarship played a significant role in defining and exploring the contours of American literary studies in the early twentieth century. One of his most significant works is 'A History of American Literature' (1919), in which Boynton thoughtfully traces the evolution of American writing from the colonial era through the end of the First World War. This comprehensive book offers insight into the patterns and ideological currents that shaped American thought and culture, reflecting Boynton's critical acumen and his belief in the importance of literature as a reflection of national identity. His literary style is characterized by clarity and precision, and his work has been influential in shaping the curricula of American literature courses in colleges and universities across the nation. Despite the passage of time, Boynton's work remains a useful resource for scholars exploring the roots and development of American literary traditions.