American Literature in Context from 1865 to 1929

American Literature in Context from 1865 to 1929 is the perfect companion for readers who want to familiarize themselves with the historical events and literary movements that shaped American literature from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the Great Depression. Drawing on a range of documents from magazine and newspaper accounts to government reports and important nonfiction, Philip R. Yannella explores the subjects that engaged American writers during this pivotal period and situates major works within history. Topics covered include Civil War memory, the virtual re–enslavement of African–Americans after Reconstruction, poverty and plenty, immigration and migration, social movements aimed at radically changing America, and post–World War I conservative triumphs. Includes a historical timeline, featuring key literary works and historical events.

Timeline of Texts and Historical Events. Introduction. 1 Civil War Memories. 2 "A Serfdom of Poverty and Restricted Rights": Black Americans after Emancipation. 3 Immigrants. 4 Countrysides. 5 The Poor and the Wealthy. 6 To Change America. 7 Culminations: From the US Entry into World War I to 1929. Index.

Philip R. Yannella is Professor of English and American Studies at Temple University, Philadelphia. He has taught courses on the full range of American literature as well as on history, culture, class, and radicalism. His previous publications include The Other Carl Sandburg (1996).

“American Literature in Context to 1865 can be a key critical reading for various antebellum literature courses, as well as for other members of her targeted ‘widest possible audience’seeking to deepen their knowledge of various early American literary moments.”  ( Oxford Journals Clippings , 4 May 2012) "The concise volume sets out to frame historically the rich and diverse period of US–American literature from the ending of the Civil War to the time of the stock market crash in 1929." (Review 19, 1 September 2011)