A HISTORY OF AMERICAN 

 LITERATURE 



By REUBEN POST HALLECK, M.A., Principal, Male 

 High School, Louisville, Ky. 



A COMPANION volume to the author's History of Eng- 

 _/""V lish Literature. It describes the greatest achievements 

 in American literature from colonial times to the pres- 

 ent, placing emphasis not only upon men, but also upon liter- 

 ary movements, the causes of which are thoroughly investi- 

 gated. Further, the relation of each period of American 

 literature to the corresponding epoch of English literature 

 has been carefully brought out and each period is illumin- 

 ated by a brief survey of its history. 



^j The seven chapters of the book treat in succession of 

 Colonial Literature, The Emergence of a Nation (1754.- 

 1809), the New York Group,* The New England Group, 

 Southern Literature, Western Literature, and the Eastern 

 Realists. To these are added a supplementary list of less 

 important authors and their chief works, as well as A Glance 

 Backward, which emphasizes in brief compass the most im- 

 portant truths taught by American literature. 

 5[ At the end of each chapter is a summary which helps to 

 fix the period in mind by briefly reviewing the most significant 

 achievements. This is followed by extensive historical and 

 literary references for further study, by a very helpful list of 

 suggested readings, and by questions and suggestions, designed 

 to stimulate the student's interest and enthusiasm, and to lead 

 him to investigate for himself the remarkable literary record of 

 American spirituality, individuality, initiative, and democratic 

 aspiration and accomplishment. 



^j While within the comprehension ot secondary pupils, the 

 treatment is sufficiently full and suggestive for a systematic, 

 progressive study of American literature. 



AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY 



