American Literature Selected Readings, Volume 1

Author: Li Yixie, edited by Chang Yaoxin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1991-09-01
Features: American literature is an important part of world literature. It has both inherited and innovated from British literature. In its early stages, American literature showed clear signs of imitating British literature. However, starting from the mid-19th century, American literature rose to prominence and stood tall in the world of literature. It has a strong national flavor and a unique style, like a rare gem in the garden of world literature, emitting a refreshing fragrance. In recent years, China has placed increasing emphasis on the introduction and study of American literature, and many universities and colleges have begun to offer courses on it. American Literature: A Reader was compiled according to the textbook development plan of the State Education Commission. The book is divided into two volumes: the first volume covers the period from the 17th century to the World War I; the second volume covers the period from the World War I to the present. Its target audience is senior undergraduate students of English departments in universities and colleges, as well as American literature enthusiasts in society with a solid foundation in English. In the process of selecting writers and works, the book has consistently adhered to the principle of highlighting key points. Each writer entry includes four parts: author introduction, work introduction, original text, and annotations. The author introductions are concise and clear; the work introductions are to the point; the selection of original texts is representative; and the annotations are easy to understand. The accompanying comments make full use of decades of research findings from domestic and international critics, with particular emphasis on introducing the research status of American literary criticism in recent years. However, the book avoids taking things out of context, does not rely on the opinions of a single individual, and does not adhere to a narrow perspective. A cautious attitude is taken toward the selected works, with their influence on contemporary and future generations as the criterion for selection.