Böcker i Macmillan History of Literature-serien

In revising this book for a second edition, Harry Blamires has updated his final chapters to give a thorough coverage to the work of dramatists, novelists and poets who have achieved prominence in the 1980s, either as new writers or rediscovered authors who have recently been brought back into print or revived by radio and television.

American literature over the last four hundred years has developed distinctive qualities and traditions, partly engendered by the land itself.

The earlier writing is discussed chronologically, but the great wealth of writing in the last century is discussed in genres: poetry, fiction and drama. The writers are set in their social and political context.

The author traces the course of literary criticism from its foundations in classical and medieval precepts to the theorising of the present day. He explores the texts which have been milestones in the history of critical thought, placing them firmly in the context of their time.